Michael Smith
Question:6 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine the reason his Department has reduced the 1996 grant-in-aid to the salmon research station at Newport, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5214/96]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers - County Mayo Salmon Station.
The Salmon Research Agency of Ireland based at Newport, County Mayo and owned by the Department undertakes and assists in national research programmes for salmon and sea trout. This core research programme's support provides vital research and development to both the wild and farmed salmon sectors. Other activities of the agency include environmental monitoring and new species research for aquaculture, consultancy and contract research and sales of ova and fish.
In addition to ongoing Exchequer support, the agency generates annual income of over £300,000 from a variety of sources including EU funding, the ESB, contract research and commercial sales. Up to 1991 the SRA was effectively able to finance its research programmes from own resources. In 1991-92 a collapse in the market price for salmon smolts and fish health problems led to a serious decline in income which was met from the agency's reserves and additional Exchequer assistance. A thorough review of research programmes together with a successful drive to enhance income from other sources, including EU funding, has largely restored the balance between current revenue and expenditure. In light of the agency's request for additional Exchequer support in future years and given, notably, overall budgetary constraints the Department is assessing the agency's programmes, core funding requirements and capital budget needs with the objective of maximising revenue and other sources of funding to support a prioritised five year research expenditure programme. In that context, I note the present consultancy review of the organisation and management structure of the fisheries services will make recommendations on the SRA and in particular will address its future structural relationship with the Marine Institute which has overall statutory responsibility for marine research.
The 1995 Marine Vote provided £160,000 for the Salmon Research Agency grant-in-aid or 34 per cent of its total revenue of some £470,000 last year. This was increased by £66,000 by way of supplementary estimate in December, 1995. The purpose of this once-off increase was to enable essential capital expenditure to refurbish fish traps and fish tanks at the Newport facility.
Exclusive of the 1995 supplementary provision, the Exchequer grant-in-aid for 1996, at £150,000 is some 6 per cent less than the comparable 1995 figure of £160,000. I consider this to be a reasonable allocation in present budgetary circumstances pending the outcome of an overall review of the agency's funding options and needs.
I will outline briefly the EU supported projects which the SRA is undertaking this year. The SRA is managing a major sea trout restocking programme which is being funded under the tourism angling measure. This programme is a key component of the overall ongoing initiatives to address a decline in sea trout stocks in the west of Ireland and involves hatching and rearing sea trout for restocking. Funding of £164,000 has already been approved to date and a further £100,000 will be made available in 1996.
The SRA has also been approved for funding for two joint projects under the marine research measure of the Fisheries Operational Programme which is administered by the Marine Institute. One is a study of the impact of the fish disease furunculosis on wild and farmed salmonid stocks. The second project is assessing the application of geographical information systems to river catchment management. Total funding of nearly £200,000 has been approved for these projects.
The Salmon Research Agency makes an important contribution to research and development of the national fisheries resources. I am committed to securing the best future for its research programmes within the overall institutional framework of the fisheries service.
I asked why there was a reduction in the provision of State aid for the salmon research agency at Lough Furnace near Newport for 1996 as against 1995. Will the Minister accept that one of the key problems to the development of the fisheries industry has been the lack of research and knowledge and that when the Government decides to reduce State aid to the research unit, which employs 30 highly trained and experienced individuals, it sends a poor signal to that industry? Will the Minister also accept that in the context of the development of coastal regions, where there are few alternatives to employment in the fishing industry, it is essential to build up research and to provide knowledge so that we can combat problems and develop employment? Will the Minister guarantee that he will make up the imbalance this year?
There was a £10,000 reduction in 1996 as against 1995. Until 1992 the salmon research agency was self-financing and the question of State assistance arose only at that stage. The agency generates income and is not entirely dependent on assistance from the Exchequer. In that context, I draw Deputy Smith's attention to the considerable sums which have been allocated to the salmon research agency through the tourism angling measure and the fisheries operation programme for research projects.
On the questions about research on fish stocks, I remind the Deputy that in the order of £5 million is being made available this year for marine research. I am sure he will agree that it is important to get the best possible value for that considerable investment in marine research, which includes fisheries research.
I am aware that the research unit must raise considerable resources from contracts, etc., but I doubt if there is a research station under the auspices of any Department which is obliged to raise 72 per cent of its revenue from its own resources.
Until 1992 the salmon research agency raised 100 per cent of its revenue from its own resources. It is very successful and operates on the basis of generating and raising income for specific research projects. As I mentioned earlier, Deputy Smith needs to apply his attention not only to the grant-in-aid that is made available to the salmon research agency but also to the considerable sums being made available — £100,000 under the tourism angling measure and £200,000 under the fisheries operational programme — by the State for specific research projects.