Vol. 533 No. 1
32 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether there is a need for a new programme for the building of a substantial number of new fishing vessels, particularly aimed at younger fishermen, with a programme for the purchase of a substantial number of modern second-hand vessels under ten years old and a modernisation programme; and if he will give a date for the introduction of such a programme. [8082/01]
The new round of investment support measures for the fishing fleet and the broader seafood industry is close to finalisation. An unprecedented level of funding, totalling £171 million, will underpin overall investment strategies for the sector under the National Develop ment Plan 2000-2006. As the Deputy will appreciate, the significant difficulties which have emerged in relation to labour shortages combined with declines in fish stocks are factors which had to be considered in bringing this initiative to fruition. In this climate we must ensure short and long-term strategies are targeted to secure the viability and competitiveness of the fleet now and into the future.
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. Investment schemes to assist in the purchase of new and modern second-hand vessels and in modernisation of existing vessels and purchase and installation of life saving equipment will be included in the new programme. A special scheme to assist younger fishermen acquiring a vessel for the first time will be an important element of the new initiative.
EU State aid approval has been sought for the fleet investment measures and negotiations with the European Commission are nearing completion. I intend to announce details of the new fleet modernisation programme once this approval has been secured.
Is it not a fact that there have been no grant applications for the last 18 months, that nothing has been accepted and that a huge demand has built up? Does the Minister accept that there is an urgent need to get the new scheme under way at the earliest possible date?
Will the Minister consider the purchase of second-hand fishing boats to augment the fleet? Will he include second-hand boats under ten years of age?
Second-hand boats will be included in the new scheme. The last scheme was the most significant ever with 33 new boats purchased. It is still in place. It is not correct to say that there have been no developments in the last 12 months.
There have been no new applications.
For more than 20 years, there were no new applications. It is a credit to my Department, my predecessors and BIM that we achieved such huge success with the whitefish fleet renewal programme now coming to a conclusion. I am anxious to get the new scheme off the ground as quickly as possible. This will be done in the very near future. I have to take cognisance of the fact, however, that stocks are declining, that there are increased pressures on fishermen, that the situation in regard to crews is becoming exceedingly difficult and that any new scheme should not place the livelihoods of those who will invest in significant new or second-hand boats in jeopardy. We have to be absolutely sure that they will be viable. Consequently, I am satisfied that the extra time taken to put this scheme in place has been well worthwhile.
