Vol. 509 No. 5
23 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the discussions, if any, which have taken place with the ESRI to outline that its conclusions that public investment in the seafood sector should decrease were unfounded; his views on whether the reports recommending a large increase in funding for the seafood sector will be reflected in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20886/99]
The Department has strongly refuted the conclusions in the ESRI report on national development priorities for 2000-06 and has expressed its views both orally and in writing. In addition, the CFP strategy review group published a report entitled National Investment Priorities for the Irish seafood industry. The review group disagrees fundamentally and in detail with the conclusions of the ESRI that public investment in the sector should decrease. Instead the group makes a compelling economic case for enhanced investment support for the sector, highlighting its importance for balanced socio-economic and regional development and an equitable distribution of economic activity.
The review group recommends a total investment programme for the seafood sector of £365 million over the next seven years of which the EU and Exchequer would contribute £199 million and the private sector £166 million. The group's report fully backs up BIM's analysis of the investment needs of the sector in the latter's Seafood Industry Agenda 2000 – 2006. The review group's economic analysis points to the significant contribution the sector already makes to output, exports, jobs and regional and local development. It underlines the potential for further growth and added value which will create lasting jobs in the regions.
I fully endorse this analysis and I am working with Government colleagues to secure the necessary investment support in the next round to underpin the development of the Irish seafood industry and of the marine and natural resources sectors generally. The National Development Plan is currently being finalised. I am confident the fisheries sector will be given a high priority to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for the Irish seafood industry and the communities it supports.
I am glad the Minister of State has refuted the conclusions of the ESRI report. In regard to those conclusions, did the ESRI say to the Minister of State that it accepts the arguments put forward for expansion of this sector? My concern is that when he comes to organise a national development plan that such an august body as the ESRI may be more sympathetic to the national development plan. Will the Minister of State give an assurance, given that all the reports submitted come to the conclusion that about £365 million is required over seven years for this vital industry, that he and his officials will win the argument against the ESRI and a national development plan in ensuring this industry gets proper financial investment over the next seven years?
I am pleased the Deputy asked that question because I disagree fundamentally with the ESRI analysis. It is the Government's intention to proceed. I accept the ESRI is an august body and has done tremendous work. We have left it in no doubt that sea fisheries is vital. It is indigenous and we have made that point in the strongest possible terms. While they have not come back to us to say they made a mistake, they opened a debate which was welcome. The Deputy will be aware, because he and his party spokesperson, Deputy Sheehan, attended a BIM launch recently, that these proposals can make a difference and create wealth and jobs in remote rural areas where jobs would not otherwise be created.
I thank the Minister of State for his reassurance. The Minister has indicated that he and his departmental officials are working hard to achieve the type of revenue I referred to – more than £360 million – in the new National Development Plan for marine type activities. Can he give any indication when we are likely to have a discussion in the House on what is embodied in the plan so that we can see at first hand the type of finance envisaged for the seafood sector over the next seven years?
The National Development Plan is almost ready. I would welcome any input from the Deputy or from any other Member of the House because that would be beneficial to people on this side of the House. From the question the Deputy put down I know his heart is in the right place and we welcome his support. There will be discussion on the National Development Plan which is almost ready.
