Vol. 524 No. 2
152 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which the fishing fleet has developed in recent years; if the fleet is keeping pace with other EU member states and others both in terms of tonnage and technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22295/00]
Mandatory tonnage objectives are set for the Irish fishing fleet by the EU multi-annual guidance programme for Ireland up to the end of 2001, and a policy of 100% replacement capacity for the introduction of vessels is applied to ensure conformity with those objectives. Fleet policy is focused, therefore, on facilitating vessel renewal, modernisation and upgrading within these binding capacity limits.
The pelagic fleet has seen very significant reinvestment by owners in recent years and is one of the most modern and efficient in Europe. The whitefish fleet renewal programme has supported substantial investment in new and modern second-hand boats, vessel modernisation and safety improvements. This will help to ensure that the Irish fishing industry can compete effectively, in terms of efficiency and technology, with its EU counterparts. Programmes under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 will continue to support further investment to ensure that Ireland has a safe, technologically advanced and efficient fishing fleet appropriate to the available fishing opportunities.
