Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
91 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will bring forward proposals in relation to the escalation of energy costs in the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25673/04]
View answerI refer the Deputy to a reply given to the House on 7 October 2004 in response to a similar question. The recent escalation of fuel costs, as a result of global economic and political conditions, remains a matter of concern for all sectors of industry, including the fishing industry.
It is important to note that the fishing industry, in Ireland and throughout the European Union, already receives favourable treatment in the form of a full rebate on excise and VAT on marine fuel, if the enterprise concerned is registered for VAT.
The question of possible aid schemes to alleviate the impact on the fishing industry of the current high fuel costs was discussed at an EU Fisheries Council in Luxembourg last Monday. At that meeting, Commissioner Fischler confirmed that there could be no departure from the strict EU State aid legislative rules that govern the payment of public aid, and which were outlined to the House on 7 October.
The situation is being closely monitored. However, in the circumstances outlined by Commissioner Fischler it does not seem possible to bring forward proposals which do not breach the strict State aid legislative rules that apply in this case.
