P. J. Sheehan
Question:33 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the future policy of his Department regarding grant aid for the provision of new fishing vessels. [23313/01]
Written Answers. - Fishing Fleet Modernisation.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:42 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on his recent announcement of fleet development measures for the Irish fishing fleet. [23321/01]
I intend to take Questions Nos. 33 and 42 together.
The fleet development programme, under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 was launched in June this year. The core objectives of the programme are to enhance the safety, quality and competitiveness of the whitefish fleet and to improve working conditions and product handling and quality.
The new programme provides grant support for the introduction of new vessels and modern second-hand vessels, for the modernisation of existing vessels and for the purchase and installation of safety equipment. In addition, special assistance is available for young fishermen and women acquiring their first vessel. It will build on the success of the Government's Whitefish Fleet Renewal Programme 1998-99 under which 33 new vessels and 11 second-hand vessels entered the fleet and 600 vessels were approved for safety equipment grants. Some 299 vessels were also modernised under this and previous initiatives.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara is currently assessing applications under the new programme and will be giving priority to projects which meet diversification and sustainability objectives. This will assist BIM in ensuring the sustainability of the new vessels introduced under the programme given the situation in relation to fish stocks. The introduction of new vessels cannot be allowed to impact adversely on the position of vessels already in the fleet.