Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 November 2014
278. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider an extension or reopening to the shellfish pot replacement scheme for inshore fishermen who did not replace the full number of pots that they applied for as they had difficulty in securing matching funding; if he has figures on the number of such fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43295/14]
View answerIn response to the exceptional loss of pots reported by fishermen as a result of the severe storms experienced in January and February of this year, I introduced a Shellfish Pot Replacement Scheme providing pot fishermen with 40% of the cost of replacing lobster, crab and shrimp pots through payments of €24 per lobster/crab pot and €12 per shrimp pot. Having considered the response to the Scheme, I amended the rules of the Scheme in May to increase the maximum number of replacement pots allowed and I reopened the Scheme to additional new applicants.
The Scheme has now closed. The Scheme is being administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara. BIM has received a total of 182 eligible applications and has paid 128 of these. I am aware that some remaining applicants are having difficulties with deliveries from suppliers because of the increased demand arising from the storm losses and this Scheme and with funding the remaining cost of replacing pots. BIM is liaising with outstanding applicants on this and is affording them every reasonable opportunity to satisfy the terms of the Scheme.
