Vol. 487 No. 3
57 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, his Department has for job creation in the fish processing industry: the new markets, if any, that have been explored for processed fish and fish products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3752/98]
To date, a total investment of £22 million in over 100 projects, involving the maintenance of 2,250 jobs and the creation of over 200 new jobs in the fish processing sector has been supported with EU and Exchequer funding totalling over £10 million. A further 300 jobs can be created from development projects in the pipeline subject to additional EU funding becoming available. I am actively pursuing this critically needed funding to support these projects to ensure further planned development and capacity expansion in fish processing.
BIM is working closely with Irish fish processing and exporting companies to maximise product and market opportunities for fresh fish, value-added fish products and aquaculture products on the domestic and export markets. Significant progress has been made to develop and strengthen existing and new markets worldwide. Fish exports have increased by over 60 per cent since 1990 hitting a record high in 1996 when the value reached £252 million. I led a BIM/industry trade mission to China in November last which opened a number of doors and which I am confident will result in tangible commercial opportunities for Irish seafood producers in the Chinese market which is the largest in the world.
