Written Answers Nos. 321-340
321. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a calf investment scheme grant payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4641/21]
View answerAn application for payment of grant-aid under the Calf Investment Scheme was received on 30 July 2020 in respect of the person named. An issue with the claim was identified during the technical check of the payment claim and associated receipts.
This issue has been raised directly with the applicant concerned and, once the required documentation is submitted and the issue resolved, the payment will be processed further.
322. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the ban on craynet fishing and landing of crayfish off the county Kerry and Cork coasts from Loop Head to Mizen Head (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4684/21]
View answer323. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a series of issues in relation to the fishing and landing of crayfish (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4687/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that there are longstanding restrictions in place on the use of tangle nets to target crayfish off Kerry and off Galway. These measures are set out in SI 233 of 2006.
I understand that the Marine Institute published a Prior Information Notice ahead of its intention to tender for fishing vessels to provide scientific support services concerning a project to explore the potential to develop a sustainable fishery for crayfish. I am advised that this recent notice sought to explore the interest of fishers in further developing a previous project which had been funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Marine Biodiversity Scheme and in which several fishers had participated. The Deputy may wish to be aware that the information on the previous project is publicly available at: https://emff.marine.ie/marine-biodiversity/management-and-restoration-crayfish-stocks .
The Marine Institute does not have the vires to introduce sea-fisheries conservation measures - that power is vested in my role as Minister under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. Any proposals to develop conservation measures generally undergo prior consultation. I do not have proposals on hand to introduce measures regarding the use of nets to target crayfish; however I am aware that crayfish stocks are at a historical low and that there have been longstanding concerns about the environmental impacts of tangle nets in particular. In that regard, I would welcome proposals to put the fishery on a long term sustainable footing.
324. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a plan (details supplied) for the inshore sector was not adopted; the reason he has not engaged with fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4689/21]
View answer329. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4695/21]
View answer330. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4698/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 324, 329 and 330 together.
In 2014, the Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums were established in recognition of the absence of a formal representative body for the majority of the small scale coastal fleet of the inshore fisheries sector. The network of six Regional Forums nominate members to the National Inshore Fisheries Forum to bring forward proposals for the development of their sector. I have met with the NIFF and heard directly the concerns and goals of the sector. Since their establishment, the Forums have been given a seat to speak for the inshore sector on matters from Quota Management to the EMFF Operational Programme Monitoring Committee and have been effective in securing specific measures for their sector.
In 2019, the Forums brought forward the first industry-led Strategy for the Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector and are currently in the process of implementing the Strategy with support from BIM, my Department and other agencies. This Strategy flowed from an extensive consultation process that engaged the inshore sector itself as well as other stakeholders.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, specifically sets the aim of supporting the inshore sector to establish a Producer Organisation to generate greater marketing and promotional capacity. My Department currently has two applications on hand for producer organisations for the inshore sector.
325. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding commercial fishing policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4690/21]
View answerThe Marine Institute (MI) is the State agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. The MI provides scientific and technical advice to Ministers to help inform policy and to support the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine resource.
Each year, the MI's Fisheries Ecosystems Advisory Services (FEAS) team produces the Stock Book, which provides up-to-date scientific information on the state of the fisheries resources exploited by the Irish fleet. The Stock Book has been published by the MI since 1993 and has evolved considerably over time to meet the needs of decision makers and stakeholders.
The information contained within the Stock Book is of vital importance in serving Ireland during the negotiations on setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs). It also serves as a valuable reference throughout the year. The Stock Book is also of interest to a wider audience, including the fishing industry, marine scientists, managers, environmental NGO’s, third level institutes, financial institutions and those with an interest in the status and management of marine fisheries resources in the waters around Ireland. The MI meets with stakeholders on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss how advice is formulated and data is collected, e.g. through the Irish Fisheries Science Research Partnership forum, which consists of industry representatives, the MI and BIM. The MI also has regular meetings with the environmental NGO’s for the same purpose.
Appointments to the Board of the Marine Institute (MI) and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) are advertised through the Public Appointments Service. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), established under statute in 2004, provides an independent shared service in recruitment, assessment and selection to organisations across the Civil and Public Service. On 30 September 2014, the Government decided that the PAS should also be given responsibility for putting in place an open, accessible, rigorous and transparent system to support Ministers in making appointments to State Boards.
The dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie is the channel through which the PAS advertises vacancies on State Boards including the MI and BIM. It is also the means through which accomplished, experienced and qualified people, including people who might not previously have been identified as available for appointment, can apply to be considered for particular board vacancies. An Assessment Panel is convened by PAS to consider and assess the applications received by PAS. The Panel reviews all expressions of interest against the specific appointment criteria for the role, as advertised and assesses potential candidates further once they meet the specified appointment criteria. The assessment panel arrives at a shortlist of suitable candidates to be sent forward for consideration by the Minister. Further details on this process are available on the above website.
326. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1142 of 13 January 2021, if he will provide the information requested, that is, the names of the greyhounds injured and killed at tracks and the cause of each injury and death including greyhounds destroyed by vets and greyhounds that died as a result of racing fatalities by greyhound track in tabular form. [4691/21]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
327. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the introduction of bans as a way of conservation instead of the sustainable management of fisheries (details supplied); the steps he will take to rectify the matter and a series of other matters in the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4692/21]
View answerIreland’s goals for sustainable fisheries are supported through the CFP. The CFP provides the framework for the long-term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks around our shores and is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters.
There are a range of measures which are employed to ensure the conservation of fish stocks and the long-term sustainability of fishing in EU waters. These include setting Total Allowable Catches in line with Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). The CFP specifically calls for the progressive restoration and maintenance of populations of fish stocks above biomass levels capable of producing MSY.
Technical measures are also used to support sustainable fishing. Technical measures are rules on how, where and when fishers may fish and also include gear, catch composition and ways to deal with accidental catches.
In 2020, 45% of the stocks of interest to Ireland were fished at or below MSY - this increased from 34% in 2013. In 2009, at EU level only 5 stocks were fished at MSY. This shows that the many years of intensive, industry-led conservation measures are paying off.
However, in some cases, when a stock is seriously depleted, there may be no other option but to prohibit fishing for that stock.
Regarding the specific stocks referred to by the Deputy, in the case of Sea Bass, Ireland has been to the forefront in protecting this vulnerable stock for many years with a complete prohibition on commercial fishing in place since 1990. In addition, EU vessels are prohibited from fishing for Sea Bass in Irish waters of Area 7 (the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and waters of the south-west and west coast).
As regards Dogfish - sometimes called Spurdog or Picked Dogfish - it is prohibited to target, retain on board, tranship or land picked dogfish, also known as spurdog. Spurdog are log lived, slow growing and late maturing fish and are therefore particularly vulnerable. The latest advice issued by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) on 2 October 2020 is that there should be no targeted fisheries for dogfish in 2021 and 2022. On the basis of the available scientific advice on the current state of the stock, there is currently no possibility of re-introducing a targeted fishery in the near future.
The responsibility for salmon conservation comes within the remit of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
The Herring stocks around Ireland are currently in a very vulnerable state and for 2020, and ICES advice for the Celtic Sea fishery and for the North West fishery is for zero TACs. The EU Council agreed very small "data collection" TACs for them to allow for the continued collection of scientific data which is set at a level that will not impair the recovery of these stocks. The setting aside of the 2012 Ministerial Policy was only decided by me because these were "scientific quotas" and, accordingly, the priority for the fishery was to deliver on the collection of the required data. In the normal course for commercial fisheries, any amendment of policy requires full assessment and consultation with stakeholders.
Within the Management Policy for mackerel, an amendment to the arrangements was put in place for the 2020 fishery that increased the trip limit from 500kg to 750kg for the hook and line mackerel fishery following a proposal in respect of this fishery from the National Inshore Fisheries Forum. Any proposals for mackerel management must have regard for the Judicial Review (2017/816JR) which is ongoing whereby a decision made by the Minister in July 2017 in respect of the allocation of Ireland’s total mackerel fishing quota is being challenged .
Ireland does not have a national quota for Bluefin Tuna. The available Bluefin Tuna quota is allocated each year to Member States on the basis of relative stability as established in the late 1990s. At that time, Ireland did not have a track record of commercial fishing for Bluefin Tuna and, accordingly, did not receive a quota allocation. The only way to obtain a share of the EU quota now would involve changing relative stability within the EU. The EU percentage share of the international TAC is set down and there is no likelihood that an international country will concede any share to the EU. This means that EU Member States, with a national quota, would give up a share of their allocation to Ireland.
The EU Commission has advised that it intends to commence the Common Fisheries Policy review process when there is clarity on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. The review is expected to be detailed and comprehensive. I will consider how Ireland will prepare for and participate actively and effectively in the review, including the interaction with stakeholders to prepare Ireland's case and identify priorities.
328. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding inshore fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4693/21]
View answerIn 2019, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum brought forward the first industry-led Strategy for the Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector and is currently in the process of implementing the Strategy with support from BIM, my Department and other agencies. This Strategy flowed from an extensive consultation process that engaged the inshore sector itself as well as other stakeholders. The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, specifically sets the aim of supporting the inshore sector to establish a Producer Organisation to generate greater marketing and promotional capacity. My Department currently has two applications on hand for producer organisations for the inshore sector.
Under the Common Fisheries Policy, access is permitted between the 12 and 200 miles zones to all EU waters subject to a Member State having quota to fish for the stocks in a specific area. Fishing vessels, irrespective of size, must comply with the rules of the CFP, which include rules in relation to access and catch limits/quota.
In 2003, the EU Council established a Biologically Sensitive Area (BSA) off the south west of Ireland and established a specific fishing effort regime inside the BSA limiting the level of fishing activity by all EU Member States for whitefish, scallop and crab fisheries. The BSA covers mainly waters inside Ireland’s 200 mile zone off the south and south west coast. Under this regime, Ireland, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and the UK are given access to fish in these waters subject to the limit of the time limit (days at sea) set down in the Regulation. The limit is monitored by each Member State and uptake is reported to the EU Commission.
These measures are due to be reviewed by the end of 2022. This is the same timeframe as the review of the Common Fisheries Policy and it is likely to be linked with that review.
The Marine Institute, with EU funding, has commissioned a study of the utility, functioning and effectiveness of the BSA which will feed into Ireland’s input into the review of the Common Fisheries Policy. The study will review evidence supporting the BSA, and how fisheries have behaved since its implementation. It will capture information from a variety of data sources, including European commercial fishing activity and species-specific life history distributions to determine whether it has had a detectable impact on wild fish stocks within the Celtic Seas region. The review is expected to be completed by mid 2021. This work may help inform the review planned for the BSA by the end of 2022 and may also help inform the Government's commitment for the introduction of Marine Protected Areas.
331. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4699/21]
View answerSome fishing vessel owners have licences for their vessels that limit them to fishing with pots. This only applies to a portion of the Irish fishing fleet, however, and other fishers do not have this restriction. Operators with "potting" licences who wish to fish by other means need to acquire the appropriate licence for their vessel. The majority of boats registered in the Irish fishing fleet have polyvalent licences which permit them to fish with a variety of gear. There are no conservation measures in place in Ireland that require the use of pots to fish for crab and lobster.
Regarding lobster hatcheries, BIM and the Marine Institute have previously advised that, based on the status of Irish lobster stocks, management of existing fishing practices is considered the most effective means of improving stock levels.
332. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4700/21]
View answerMy Department's €239 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-20 is the principal source of development funding for the fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood processors sectors and for the socio-economic development and economic diversification of coastal communities traditionally dependent on fisheries through the seven EMFF Fisheries Local Action Groups. The Programme also funds control and enforcement of the CFP, our EU Data Collection responsibilities, marine biodiversity protection and some elements the Integrated Maritime Policy, such as marine knowledge and marine spatial planning. The Programme is implemented through a suite of 18 individual schemes, most of which are implemented through Bord Iascaigh Mhara, with further details available at www.bim.ie/schemes.
The EMFF Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Of the €239 million budget, the EU is contributing €147.6 million. The EU funds are made available to Ireland in several distinct envelopes. Some €37.2 million is allocated to Ireland solely for investment in control and enforcement. With national co-funding, this accounts for approximately €44 million of the Programme budget. A further €32.6 million is allocated to Ireland solely for investment in EU Data Collection and with national co-funding, accounts for approximately €40 million of the Programme budget. Lastly, some €5.3 million was allocated to Ireland solely for investment in measures to support the integrated maritime policy (such as marine spatial planning) and with national co-funding, this accounts for approximately €10.6 million. Each of these three dedicated envelopes relate to areas that, prior to the EMFF, were funded directly by the European Commission. The EMFF changed this process so that these funds, at a greatly increased level, were allocated to Member States, giving Member States much greater control of investment in these areas. This investment is essential for the sustainable growth of our seafood sector.
The balance of the EU allocation to Ireland of €72.5 million, with matching co-funding from the Government of Ireland, means that €145 million approximately, or 61% approximately of the Programme budget, is distributed across a range of support schemes, mostly implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara. Details of all beneficiaries of the EMFF Programme, together with copies of the EMFF Programme Annual Reports and Citizen summaries, are publicly available at the following link -
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b4b81-european-maritime-and-fisheries-fund-2014-2020/?referrer=http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/emff/.
333. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the next generation EU funds will be allocated under pillar II of CAP for 2021, by line of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4711/21]
View answerThe Transitional Regulation lays down the provisions for support of the Rural Development Programme for the years 2021 and 2022. It also incorporates the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI) funding for 2021 and 2022, of which €190m is allocated to Ireland (€56m in 2021 and €134m in 2022).
The Transitional Regulation also sets out the broad parameters around how this funding can be utilised. The funding must contribute to the green and digital recovery and maintain the current level of environmental ambition set out in the Rural Development Programme.
The EU Recovery Instrument, which is broader than just the agriculture element, has not yet been adopted by the EU, so we must await the details before progressing.
Therefore, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a line-by-line statement of expenditure for the EURI funding at this stage. However, I will be consulting with stakeholders to hear their views on how we can best utilise this funding in order to address the climate and environmental challenges that we face.
334. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of fines and prosecutions made under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 by county in each of the years 2018 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4718/21]
View answerThe Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6th March 2014.
Prosecutions are only one aspect of my Department's activities aimed at ensuring animal welfare, and in many cases, prosecution is the last resort. Officials of my Department, in collaboration with local authorities, Garda Síochána and/or animal welfare charities work to address and resolve welfare issues before moving to prosecution.
Offences under the Act may be prosecuted in the District Court by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, local authorities and members of An Garda Síochána. Matters tried on indictment are the remit of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the normal manner. Accordingly, the statistics set down below relate to cases prosecuted and fines issued at the suit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Prosecutions under the Act can be pursued following investigations by authorised officers of the Department, An Garda Síochána and authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These officers investigate matters relating to animal cruelty and neglect and, where the evidence supports such action, a file prepared and the matter pursued through the Courts.
|
2018 |
County |
Fine |
Number of Prosecutions |
|
Carlow |
- |
1 |
|
|
Cavan |
€500 |
1 |
|
|
Cork |
€1,100 |
4 |
|
|
Dublin |
€3,450 |
5 |
|
|
Kildare |
€6,000 |
2 |
|
|
Laois |
€100 |
2 |
|
|
Limerick |
€5,750 |
3 |
|
|
Meath |
€250 |
1 |
|
|
Offaly |
€375 |
1 |
|
|
Waterford |
- |
2 |
|
|
Westmeath |
€1,500 |
1 |
|
|
Wicklow |
€1,000 |
1 |
|
|
Total |
€20,025 |
24 |
|
2019 |
County |
Fine |
Number of Prosecutions |
|
Cork |
€5,000 |
3 |
|
|
Donegal |
€100 |
1 |
|
|
Dublin |
€399 |
5 |
|
|
Laois |
- |
1 |
|
|
Limerick |
€2,150 |
3 |
|
|
Sligo |
€200 |
1 |
|
|
Tipperary |
€800 |
1 |
|
|
Waterford |
€1,000 |
2 |
|
|
Total |
€9,649 |
17 |
|
2020 |
County |
Fine |
Number of Prosecutions |
|
Dublin |
- |
1 |
|
|
Offaly |
€5,000 |
1 |
|
|
Roscommon |
€2,000 |
3 |
|
|
Tipperary |
€1,800 |
1 |
|
|
Westmeath |
- |
1 |
|
|
Total |
€8,800 |
7 |
335. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is paying a retainer to Cork City Council for animal pounds and horse welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4719/21]
View answerThe matter of pound services fall within the remit of the local authorities and my Department does not pay a retainer to local authorities in relation to that function.
The Control of Horses Act 1996 provides powers to local authorities enabling them to control stray and wandering horses in their areas. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for each local authority.
Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister for Agriculture may make grants towards the expenses of a local authority incurred under the Act. In 2020, my Department provided funding of €2,375 to Cork City Council.
336. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review of the sentencing regime of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 has commenced as per the commitment in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4720/21]
View answerThe Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides for (a) summary offences tried before the district court to a maximum of a €5,000 fine or six months imprisonment (b) offences that may be tried on indictment before the circuit court may be fined up to €250,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to five years.
In addition, the courts may prohibit a person from keeping animals for a period which may include his/her lifetime.
My Department is assessing the penalties available under the Act in accordance with the commitment in the current Programme for Government.
337. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide further information on his plans to develop an urban horse welfare programme to work with local authorities as committed to in the Programme for Government; his plans to legislate for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4721/21]
View answerMy Department continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide, supporting with infrastructure and bringing education on all aspects of equine welfare to disadvantaged areas, and I intend to deliver additional supports in urban areas.
My officials work with and support local authorities and NGOs in progressing urban projects, and there are currently projects at every stage from the initial feasibility and planning stages to the operating stage around the country. I have asked my officials to prioritise urban horse welfare in the context of the new national Animal Welfare Strategy which I will launch shortly.
338. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if animals in laboratories are protected under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. [4749/21]
View answerThe general principles enshrined in Section 11 and 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 apply to all animals.
The protection of animals used for scientific purposes, including those in laboratories, are subject to specific rules set down in S.I. No. 543/2012 European Union (Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes) Regulation 2012 which falls within the remit of the Minister for Health.
339. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS 2020 payment for persons (details supplied) will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4799/21]
View answerThe person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received payments for scheme years 2016 – 2019.
Processing of the GLAS 2020 advance payment is at an advanced stage and pending final validations checks and is expected to issue shortly. GLAS payments continue to issue on a weekly basis.
340. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration he is giving to providing further and substantial assistance to the oyster shell fish industry in view of the collapse of the market for oysters due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4818/21]
View answerThroughout the Covid-19 Pandemic, Government has made available financial and other supports for employees and businesses negatively impacted by the Pandemic. Both the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes have supported the incomes of employees and the self-employed in our seafood sector and I am aware that many aquaculture enterprises availed of these Government payments during earlier phases of market disruption. Government has also made available low-cost loans to seafood businesses for working capital and other purposes.
My Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-2020 is the principal source of public funding for the sustainable development of our fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors. The Programme is delivered through a range of support schemes providing supports for capital investment, innovation, advisory services, marketing, training, stock conservation and protection of marine biodiversity. These support schemes have continued throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic and take-up of grants has remained strong. The Programme is now nearing its end, with funds already mostly committed through grant offers and I anticipate that the Programme will finish in 2021. My Department is working to develop a new Seafood Development Programme for the 2021-27 period.
On 22 October 2020, I announced a Covid 19 Aquaculture Support Scheme under my Department's EMFF Programme, designed to compensate oyster and rope mussel producers for lost sales and production arising from the Pandemic. The Scheme was administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara and closed in November, with 181 aquaculture enterprises applying. Payments to 142 successful applicants were processed by BIM in December, with processing of another 19 ongoing. Payments ranged from €6,800 to €16,300 for oyster producers, depending on their production levels in previous years, and for rope mussel producers €1,300 to €9,000. I anticipate that the final cost of the Scheme will be approximately €1.25 million.
As the Pandemic continues, and its impacts on markets continue to evolve and change, I am keeping it under review in the context of the range of horizontal supports that have been put in place by Government .
