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Inland Fisheries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018

Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Questions (481)

Willie Penrose

Question:

481. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if, in the context of his recent announcement concerning the eel fisherpersons support scheme and in particular in respect of the criteria outlined therein, it is the intention of the scheme to exclude fishermen who were fishing during the appropriate period and had prepared audited accounts for taxation return purposes; the criteria that are applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47184/18]

View answer

Written answers

A Support Fund of €3 million has been established by the Government to address the hardship experienced by commercial eel fishermen and women in the light of the closure of the commercial eel fishery for conservation reasons. The fund is administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). My department has received written advice from the Revenue Commissioners in relation to the support fund.

The fund is available to all persons who were the holder of a commercial public eel licence or an eel fishing permit from the ESB in the 2007 season (the base year). The 5 reckonable years for payments under the scheme are 2003-2007.

In respect of former fishermen and women who were the holder of a licence or permit in the base year, payment will involve a tax free element for each of the 5 reckonable years for which the applicant was a licence or permit holder.

A further taxable element will be based on the average annual catch, as declared by the applicant, during the reckonable years.

Based on the scheme criteria, the eligibility of an applicant can be definitively established on receipt of an application and the submission of supporting documents.

The scheme is currently open for applications which must be received by 5.00pm 30 November 2018. An application form and detailed information on the scheme can be obtained from any IFI Office or by downloading the relevant documentation from the IFI website www.fisheriesireland.ie.

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