Michael Ring
Question:754 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the grant assistance which is available to allow fishermen to develop their businesses. [20566/03]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
The grant schemes operated by my Department under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 provide for a total investment of €135 million in the fishing sector during this period. The primary objective of this investment is to create a sustainable, competitive and quality driven seafood industry which will maximise its contribution to exports.
The NDP includes schemes in such areas as adjustment of the fishing effort, renewal and modernisation of the fishing fleet, supporting measures for sea fisheries development, seafood processing, seafood marketing and seafood training. Substantial progress has already been achieved in relation to the renewal and modernisation of the fishing fleet, training and marketing initiatives and also on the supporting measures programme which supports diversification options for fishermen. Significant investment in seafood processing is also being supported. I am confident that the successful implementation of these schemes will allow for the progressive development of businesses in the seafood sector of which fishermen are an integral part.