Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fish Processing Industry.

John Browne

Question:

36 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for the Marine the total value of the Irish fish processing industry; the number of people employed; the plans, if any, he has for the future development of this important industry. [9054/95]

Dan Wallace

Question:

41 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Minister for the Marine the numbers employed in the fish processing industry in Ireland; and the total amount of grants to such industries in the past 12 months. [9059/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Coveney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 41 together.

The latest available (1993) statistics for the fish processing industry indicate that there were 2,076 people employed on a ful-time basis, and 1,624 employed on a part-time basis. The total value of production was IR£238 million.

During 1994, projects representing an overall investment in the processing sector of IR£7.86 million received grant assistance of IR£3.6 million. The Operational Programme for Fisheries 1994-1999 provides for a total investment in excess of IR£31 million in the fish processing industry. EU and Exchequer grant aid will amount to almost IR£14 million. The strategic objective for the processing sector is to create a strong processing and marketing base to maximise the use of fishery and aquaculture products and to create additional employment through greater value-added, improved quality and hygiene and more efficient structures.

The planned investment under the operational programme, in new facilities, equipment and installations and upgrading of existing facilities, is being geared to delivering on this objective.