Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
334 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of persons employed in the fishing industry; if an increase or decrease has been registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/04]
View answer335 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the value of the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6092/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 335 together.
Surveys in regard to employment in the Irish seafood industry, comprising fishing, aquaculture, processing and ancillary sectors are carried out by an Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, on a periodic basis. The most recent survey, carried out in 2000, estimated total employment in the industry, including full-time and part-time jobs, at about 15,000.
The successful restructuring of the whitefish fleet brought about by the whitefish renewal scheme and the fleet development measure has resulted in consolidation within the whitefish sector as modern, safe and efficient units replace a larger number of smaller, older and less seaworthy craft. While this has meant an inevitable reduction of overall employment within the catching sector, the quality and sustainability of the jobs going forward has vastly improved.
According to data provided by BIM, seafood exports for 2003 amounted to €384.3 million while sales on the home market were valued at €281 million, giving a total of just under €665 million.
