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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

33 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to further develop the fishing industry, with particular reference to the quality and tonnage of the Irish fishing fleet; the fish species available; whether he can ensure a livelihood for those involved in the industry in the future comparable to that available in other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16228/98]

My key priority is to maximise the contribution of sea fisheries to the national economy and coastal regions. I will continue, in close consultation with the industry, to pursue my specific objectives for the Irish fleet which are to modernise its structures, enhance quality, safety and efficiency and to maximise sustainable fishing opportunities.

The grant aid package which I launched in Castletownbere last week, combined with the tax incentives which I secured in the 1998 Act, puts in place the first integrated programme for the renewal of the whitefish fleet. This programme will support investment to deliver a safer, more competitive and efficient whitefish fleet. The £40 million investment programme will provide capital grants of up to 45 per cent of the eligible cost of a new vessel up to 15 per cent of the eligible cost of a second hand vessel and 50 per cent of the cost of safety equipment. I secured in this year's Finance Act two key capital allowances reliefs designed to attract capital into the whitefish sector and make it a competitive commercial option for investors. I firmly believe that this unique package of measures will have a real impact in terms of safeguarding jobs and delivering quality and consistency of supply right across the whitefish sector with benefits for the fleet, the processing sector and the consumer market.
There is significant scope for continuing development of fishing opportunities by the Irish fleet through sustainable exploitation of quota and non-quota species. Some quotas remain under-utilised, in particular nephrops to the south and west of Ireland and cod off our northern and western coasts. In addition, many stocks are not subject to quota including a number of valuable inshore stocks such as lobster, whelk and crabs which are giving a high value return to Irish fishermen at present. Deepwater species and blue whiting offer further tangible opportunities. Irish fishermen fished for blue whiting in Irish waters for the first time last year, landing around 30,000 tonnes. Excellent catches are being achieved this year as well.
I will continue to take every opportunity to advance Ireland's case for an equitable share of the EU fish quota and to ensure that EU fisheries management, conservation, enforcement and marketing strategies are geared to ensure a level playing field in the interests of the Irish fishing sector.
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