Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1103. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide his response to the conclusions of a report (details supplied) concerning the economic impact of the Irish small-scale fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17208/23]
View answerI welcome the publication of the Economic analysis of the Irish small-scale fleet and its findings. Studies such as this have a significant value in contributing to the implementation of the industry-led Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector Strategy 2019-2023, particularly in building an accurate profile of this segment of the fleet.
The projected estimates for 2022 highlight the challenges which the fishing sector had faced in that year and further highlight the issues which I have discussed in my engagements with fishing representatives over the past months. I committed in particular to keep fuel costs under review and it is a welcome signal that these have returned to similar, lower levels experienced prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
It is also an encouraging conclusion in the report that output from the Irish Inshore sector is highly appreciated internationally with increasing demand in Europe and Asia. The Brexit Inshore Marketing scheme which I announced last year and which is continuing into 2023 will assist in developing this demand in both the domestic and international markets resulting in greater opportunities for small scale fishers.
The report also recognises the implementation of the Task Force recommendations. These recommendations were shaped by industry participation on the Task Force, including representation of the Inshore sector, and it has been a priority to develop schemes based on these recommendations. The Inshore Business Model Adjustment Scheme has provided short term support as requested by the sector while other schemes have focused on capitalising on opportunities for growth and development. This is in addition to ongoing EMFF funded supports.
While it is not specified what form it should take, the recommendation for further support is noted and I expect to engage further with the sector in this regard. In December 2022, Ireland’s EMFAF Seafood Development Programme was adopted. The Programme gives a particular focus to small scale coastal fishers and under this programme supports will be developed to assist in the development of the sector. Necessary building blocks to inform the approach to developing the sector, such as the Inshore census mentioned in the economic analysis paper, will be core in guiding the implementation of the programme.
