Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 May 2023
79. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking in response to a report by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (details supplied), with the conclusion that, "for many length classes [of the small-scale fleet], particularly the lower ones, this salary was at a very low level and the current economic crises have exerted major cost pressures and squeezed this income significantly". [25026/23]
View answerI requested the production of the Economic Analysis of the Irish Small-Scale Fleet to provide much needed data to assess the situation facing the inshore sector. It highlighted the impact which issues such as increased fuel costs had on profitability and the incomes of fishers. It has been a welcome signal that since the analysis was completed for this report, fuel prices have continued to fall to levels similar to those experienced prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Nevertheless, I recognise the need for ongoing support and development of the Inshore sector and the approach I have taken is multifaceted to ensure both short term supports are in place and longer term development strategies facilitate a self-sustaining sector which continues its significant contribution to coastal communities.
As the Deputy is aware, in April I announced the reopening of the Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme which will see a further €3.5 million in direct supports made available for Inshore fishers. Payments under this scheme, which range from €2,700 to €4,000 per eligible fisher, are accompanied by training modules which will help fishers to adapt their operations to reduce costs, improve product quality and reach new customers.
This scheme is part of a wider package of supports and development strategies which includes investments in marketing and promotion of inshore stocks, development of marine infrastructure and investing in all elements of the seafood supply chain, providing new and growing avenues for inshore catch.
Beyond this, my Department’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Seafood Development Programme is commencing its implementation. The €258 million programme will provide a wide range of supports for fishers and the wider development of the seafood sector. Inshore representatives form part of the monitoring committee for this programme and will have opportunity to input into the development of schemes to support the sector. This programme will also provide for ongoing support of the Producer Organisations which will help the Inshore sector to develop further.
In addition to financial supports, I am continuing to engage directly with inshore fisheries representatives, including the National Inshore Fisheries Forum. This group brought forward the first industry-led Strategy for the sector in 2019 and is now implementing this with support from my Department, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and other agencies. I am advised that in contribution to this strategy, BIM plans to carry out an Inshore Census this year. This will gather more detailed data on the Irish small-scale fleet and ensure that there is a suitable evidence base to inform development strategies for this important part of Ireland’s fishing fleet.
