Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
942. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a breakdown of proposed spending under Ireland’s EMFAF Programme to implement Article 17 in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36983/23]
View answer943. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a detailed breakdown of EU and national contributions allocated to the implementation of Article 17 in the current national EMFAF programme for 2021-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36984/23]
View answer944. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a copy of the advice he took regarding the allocated amount for Article 17 (details supplied); his views on whether this level of funding is in line with a Just Transition to fisheries management, which is climate and nature compatible, and can help to sustain communities relying on our waters into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36985/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 942, 943 and 944 together.
Article 17 of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1139) solely makes provision and establishes the criteria for supporting young fishers in the first acquisition of a fishing vessel.
The EMFAF Seafood Development Programme and its budget allocations were developed based on significant advice and input through two public consultations and additional bilateral consultations with key industry and stakeholder groups. The experience of implementing the previous European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Seafood Development Programme was also considered. This included advice provided to my Department by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
Article 31 of the EMFF regulation made provision for similar interventions as provided for by Article 17 of the EMFAF regulation in supporting young fishers with the acquisition of their first vessel. Under the EMFF programme, approximately €1.1 million in funding was provided under this provision. A further €400,000 was provided under Article 32 which concerned onboard investments for health and safety.
Based on the feedback during the programme development and the above track record under EMFF, the EMFAF Programme currently provides for an allocation of €2 million for the implementation of actions related to Article 17 and 19 combined. This includes a 50% contribution from the Irish Government and a 50% contribution from the EU with an additional EU contribution for technical assistance to implement the programme.
Spending under this programme will occur in accordance with implementation plans which will be developed by my Department and implementing bodies. Implementation plans for schemes, such as those supporting young fishers, will identify objectives, eligible expenditures and selection criteria. These are submitted to the Programme’s Monitoring Committee for approval. The Monitoring Committee, which consists of fishing representatives and other key stakeholders, will have an opportunity to input into these implementation plans and shape how schemes are delivered. An implementation plan has not yet been developed for a scheme which would allow for spending under Article 17.
