Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2016
40. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of new schemes to be introduced for the fishing industry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8693/16]
View answerI was pleased to announce on 14 January 2016 the launch of Ireland’s new €240 million EMFF Seafood Development Operational Programme. The implementing schemes under the Programme are broad ranging, and a number of schemes are concerned with promoting sustainability in the fishing sector, similar to GLAS. These include a Sustainable Fisheries Scheme, an Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme, a Marine Biodiversity Scheme, an Engine Replacement Scheme, a Fisheries Local Area Development Scheme, a New Fishermen Scheme and an industry-led Mutual Fund for Adverse Climatic Events and Environmental Incidents. Overall, some €67 million is being made available to support fishermen through these schemes. Further details of these Schemes are available from Board Iascaigh Mhara’s local officers or on BIM website www.bim.ie/grants.
These schemes are intended to assist fishermen in adapting to the requirements and opportunities of the Common Fisheries Policy and helping fishermen secure the future sustainability of their industry for their families and their communities.
