Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
605. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rationale for the Irish Sea Fishery Board withdrawing funding for vessels that apply for a grant to buy a jigging machine to fish using the hook and line method; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34888/21]
View answerUnder the Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has implemented a Sustainable Fisheries Scheme providing grants to fishing vessel owners for purchase of certain types of equipment for use on board. Jigging machines were among the types of equipment aided.
After a very successful implementation, the EMFF Programme is now nearing its natural end and funds are almost exhausted. BIM suspended the Sustainable Fisheries Scheme in June 2020 as it had exhausted its budget. Following a recent review of remaining budgets, I have agreed to re-allocate a small amount of remaining funds to facilitate a limited re-opening shortly of the Sustainable Fisheries Scheme, pending the preparation of a new Seafood Development Programme for the 2021-27 period.
The Deputy should be aware that BIM has not withdrawn any previous offers of grant aid for jigging machines.
