Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
1143. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the Brexit Adjustment Fund payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38091/22]
View answerI trust that the Deputy is referring to payments in respect of the Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme, which was established in line with the recommendations of the Report of the Seafood Task Force - Navigating Change (October 2021).
The Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme operated over the January to March period and is closed since 31 March. The scheme was designed to assist inshore fishers to adjust their business and marketing plans to the post Brexit environment. BIM provided four dedicated online training modules to participants and grant aid of up to €4,000 to help put into practice the learnings. Applicants had to complete the training before payment could be made. As of 8 July some 771 applications from inshore fishers were approved for a total grant aid of €2.6 million. Of these, 698 have been paid and a further 47 are due to be paid in week commencing 11th July 2022. The remaining 26 will be paid as soon as they satisfy the scheme conditions, including completing their training course.
There are a range of standard terms and conditions for all schemes implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara on behalf of my Department, including standard cross compliance checks on compliance with legal requirements and settlement of overdue accounts.
