Vol. 564 No. 5
229 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason this State has not to date earmarked part of the Structural Funds to alleviate the negative consequences of the current crisis in the fishing industry and the consequences which this has had for coastal communities. [9436/03]
As the Deputy will be aware, the productive sector operational programme provides for investment of EU Structural Funds, in conjunction with Exchequer and private investment, under the national development plan. Last month, I announced a €320,000 joint State-fishing industry study, into cod stocks off the north west coast, the area affected by the "days at sea" limits imposed recently by the EU. I have also asked BIM to explore the potential for diversification by fishermen affected and prioritise for consideration any projects supporting them. These initiatives are supported by Structural Funds under the fisheries innovation and sustainability measure of the productive sector operational programme. Thirty three projects, with total investment of €14 million, have already been approved under this measure aimed at conservation of fisheries resources, introducing modern technology and encouraging fishermen to diversify their activities.
