Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

31 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the full range of financial benefits he has procured for fishermen as a result of the increased cost in oil products in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3363/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey):

The provision of financial compensation for occurrences such as fuel prices is not permissible under EU State aid rules for the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

However, high fuel prices, labour shortages and whitefish quota constraints highlight the need for the fishing sector to adjust and adapt to a changing and increasingly difficult environment. In this scenario all the analysis points to the need to focus on quality assurance, safety and fuel efficiency as key priorities. I announced in December last details of a £4 million funding initiative to deliver enhanced operational standards in the industry and to support improvements in the fuel efficiency of fishing vessels. The fish quality and safety assurance scheme, which entails incentivised safety and quality training programmes for skippers and crews, and the fuel efficiency grant scheme are both being implemented by BIM. These schemes will contribute to improved quality safety and efficiency and best environmental practice thus assisting the fishing sector to position itself more effectively to overcome the challenges it faces.