Fishing Fleet Protection.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 December 2007

Thursday, 13 December 2007

Questions (168)

Dinny McGinley

Question:

164 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on whether the €21 million announced in budget 2008 towards the decommissioning of the white fish fleet is less than 50% of what had been previously indicated; if her attention has been drawn to the disappointment of fishing organisations and coastal communities at the reduction; if she will increase the compensation to €58 million as originally indicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34671/07]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The overall budget allocation for marine related activities in my Department's Vote increased from €119.5 million in 2007 to €128.3 million in 2008, an increase of 7.3%. The Government remains fully committed to the delivery of the seafood strategy "Steering A New Course: Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013". I am satisfied that the amount set aside for decommissioning of fishing vessels in 2008 within the overall €49 million Vote to BIM is adequate.