Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Priority Questions. - Fishing Fleet Modernisation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

95 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason the original modernisation grants for fishing trawlers were terminated; the further reason there was a need to assess the scheme given that there were many applicants for the scheme; if he has satisfied himself that it is vital that as many fishing vessels as possible are modernised before the next Common Fisheries Policy debate begins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22082/00]

Mr. Fahey:

Expenditure under the fleet modernisation and renewal measures of the Fisheries Operational Programme 1994-1999 has been ongoing during 2000 as projects come on stream. The introduction of the 29 new vessels supported under the Whitefish Fleet Renewal Programme 1998-2000 has been under way throughout the year.

In parallel and following agreement with the Commission during the year on the Community Support Framework 2000-2006, the new round of investment support strategies for the fleet and the seafood industry as a whole is being put in place. Under the national development plan, an unprecedented level of funding totalling £171 million will underpin overall investment strategies for the sector. My Department is working with BIM to finalise the detailed grant schemes which will strategically focus on the enhancement of the safety, quality and competitiveness of the whitefish fleet. The fleet modernisation programme will continue, therefore, to target improvements in operational safety, working conditions, efficiency, handling and quality. The significant difficulties which have emerged in fuel prices and labour shortages combined with declines in fish stocks are also factors to be addressed. In this climate, we must ensure that short and long-term strategies are targeted to secure the viability and competitiveness of the fleet now and into the future.

There is a distinction to be drawn between modernisation and upgrading of existing vessels and the introduction of new replacement vessels. In that context, the Deputy will appreciate that the timing and nature of incentives to support the entry of further new vessels into the fleet requires careful evaluation. The majority of new boats assisted under the renewal scheme are just coming on stream. The impact on existing fleet structure and fishing opportunities of these new vessels has not been fully quantified at this stage. An economic evaluation of the impact of the renewal scheme together with an analysis of financial performance to date in light of all relevant factors is both prudent and essential. There is general consensus within the industry on this point. I have requested BIM to commission the necessary analysis and my Department and BIM will work together to finalise recommendations to me in light of the findings of that evaluation.

Mr. Connaughton:

Will the Minister clarify that there was no suspension of the fleet modernisation grant? If that is the case, why were many boat owners who needed a modernisation programme immediately not able or allowed to apply this year? I am led to believe that the Department has not yet allowed application forms to be released to them and that it is assessing this part of the scheme. If that is correct, will the Minister let the House know why this is so?

Mr. Fahey:

The Deputy is wrong in his proposition. The whitefish renewal scheme was completed under the old programme. Some 28 new vessels were brought in under that. The next scheme will be under the new national plan. Consequently, we are in the process of putting that scheme together. We have not yet made a final decision on whether there will be a continuation of the whitefish renewal scheme with new boats, as was the case in the past. There is a very significant reason for this review and we must make a careful evaluation of the performance of the new boats that have entered the fleet. It would be dangerous to proceed with a further renewal programme in respect of the white fish fleet, particularly if we were to endanger the efforts of those who wish to purchase new boats. We must be very conscious of the position vis-à-vis quota and stocks and the fact that we do not have a scheme which is properly thought out and evaluated.

That is not to say that we will not be proceeding with a significant programme of renewing and upgrading existing boats. Indeed, we will be replacing a number of these vessels. However, I would be concerned about becoming involved in a further renewal scheme without first carefully quantifying the success of the existing fleet.

Mr. Connaughton:

I was referring specifically to the modernisation of existing boats. The fishermen are extremely angry with the Minister and they have stated that another year has passed without action being taken. Many of these individuals want to modernise their vessels. The Common Fisheries Policy will be considered in the next two years and if we are not up to speed we will face a situation similar to that which obtained in 1972. Does the Minister agree there is a need to do as much as possible now before the Common Fisheries Policy is debated again?

Mr. Fahey:

The Deputy misunderstands the situation.

Mr. Connaughton:

That is not correct, the Minister is trying to turn it around.

Mr. Fahey:

The new scheme is catered for under the national development plan. As the Deputy is aware, under the national development plan moneys—

Mr. Connaughton:

There is a vacuum at present.

Mr. Fahey:

That is correct, there is a vacuum.

An Ceann Comhairle:

The time for this question has expired. I must call the next question.

Mr. Fahey:

There was never a doubt that there would be a vacuum. However, the programme continued this year and—

Mr. Connaughton:

It is the same programme.

Mr. Fahey:

No. A total of 157 skippers—

An Ceann Comhairle:

The time for Priority Questions has expired. We must proceed to the next question. I call Question No. 96 and I remind Members about the one minute time limit on supplementary questions.