As things stand the next scheduled round of decommissioning will take place within the context of the strategic report on the fishing industry, Steering A New Course. This report calls for a decommissioning scheme aimed at the Whitefish Fleet and recommends the removal of up to 45% of the capacity of the whitefish fleet 18 metres in length and over. €66 million is earmarked by Government for this scheme. It will be part funded under the European Fisheries Fund 2007-2013.
The strategic report recognises the need for a targeted decommissioning scheme for vessels less than 18 metres in length and recommends that a comprehensive analysis be conducted, in advance, to determine the eligibility, urgency, scope and cost of such a scheme. The Implementation Group under Dr. Cawley will ensure that the necessary analysis is conducted in this area and findings and recommendations will be issued in due course.