Dinny McGinley
Question:113 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans or scheme he has to assist inshore fishermen to licence the fishing boats. [4770/02]
Written Answers. - Fishing Licences.
I have introduced a new scheme to provide for the licensing and registration of small inshore fishing vessels. The scheme is open to all inshore fishermen around the coast who for various reasons have not previously applied to be registered. As a concession to the normal conditions for the licensing of fishing vessels, the scheme allows vessel owners to provide replacement capacity on a phased basis. While I am not providing grant aid for the purchase of tonnage, I have substantially increased investment support for the inshore sector and over €2 million has been earmarked this year for initiatives for the inshore sector around the coast. These initiatives will help enhance the earning potential of inshore fishermen and support the sustainable management and development of the sector into the future.