Vol. 461 No. 5
143 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, that exist to help young people interested in fishing to acquire boats; and if he will reintroduce the 55 per cent grants for the purchase of new boats particularly as the average age of the fishing fleet is now becoming so old that safety at sea is a constant worry for all interested in the safety of the fishing community. [3274/96]
I have asked the Department to critically assess the scope for additional measures to encourage new entrants into the fishing industry in line with policy objectives for fleet modernisation and renewal and legally binding EU commitments on fleet capacity. The assessment will have full regard to the ongoing work of the Fishing Vessel Safety Review Group which is examining the age factor as part of its comprehensive review of the safety status of the fleet.
Current strategy is geared to supporting a significant investment programme of over £30 million in fleet modernisation projects, where there is generally a substantial safety element. In addition, under the decommissioning scheme up to £6 million of financial incentives is available for the removal of old and uneconomic tonnage.
