Vol. 496 No. 6
120 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the investment projections in the proposals submitted to him by the Irish Fish Farming Association for the period 2000-6 in respect of salmon, rope mussels, gigas oysters, sea reared trout, bottom mussels, clams, scallops, new finfish species and new shellfish species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23637/98]
121 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has received a programme of development from the IFA fish farming section recommending investment of £100 million in private and public projects between 2000-6; if so, if he has considered this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23638/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.
The IFA fish farming section has recently launched a document entitled, "Fisheries Operational Programme 2000-2006 — Aquaculture Measure", a copy of which was presented to me recently.
The proposals contained in this document will inform my thinking on future funding support for aquaculture development post 1999 and will be factored into the process of discussion and negotiation on Structural Funds for the fisheries sector as a whole in the period 2000-2006.
122 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the development of the aquaculture sector; the estimated economic turnover of this industry; the number currently employed full-time and part-time; the employment projections for the growth of the industry for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23639/98]
End 1997 statistics show 3,096 whole time equivalent jobs in the aquaculture sector. Of these 2,029 were in the shellfish industry, 971 were in the finfish sector and the remaining 96 were employed in direct services or consultancy capacities.
The Irish aquaculture sector is producing over 38,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish per annum with a value of over £58 million to the economy. This represents a steady growth curve from small beginnings in the 1980s and the sector is an increasingly significant contributor to Irish seafood exports and now supplies over 25 per cent of the raw material needs of the indigenous fish processing industry.
In order to maximise the potential of the aquaculture sector for growth and jobs a strategic review has been commissioned. I have mandated the consultants to undertake a comprehensive economic analysis of the Irish aquaculture industry by reference to domestic and global factors, taking a medium to long-term approach. The consultants will also recommend on future development strategies for the aquaculture industry in Ireland with particular emphasis on overcoming perceived constraints and on maximising sustainable jobs production and competitiveness.
The study is to be completed early in 1999 and the results will inform and guide policy development as well as the strategic approach to job targets and investment post 2000 by BIM and Údarás na Gaeltachta as well as the industry itself.
