Vol. 458 No. 7
41 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself with his Department's training programme for young fishermen; and the plans, if any, he has for increased funding to this area for 1996. [17473/95]
BIM provides a comprehensive training programme for new entrants to the fishing industry and for upgrading the skills of those already in the industry. Training is carried out at the national training centre in Greencastle and at other key fishery locations around the coast.
Under the EU Operational Programme for Fisheries, over £6 million is being invested in enhanced training programme for the fisheries sector over the period 1994 to 1999. About £1 million will be spent on training programmes in 1996 which is similar to expenditure undertaken this year. I am generally satisfied that the programmes are paying dividends in terms of improved skills, efficiency and safety standards within the sector. The results and benefits of the programme are being reviewed and monitored by BIM and the Department to ensure that this substantial investment in training is targeted to best effect in the interests of the trainees and the industry.
