Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2023
117. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department would consider the introduction of a young fishers scheme, similar to the young farmers scheme; to detail what financial supports are available for new entrants to the fishing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41797/23]
View answerThe Seafood Development Programme implemented by my Department and funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) provided significant funding toward the sustainable development of fisheries. Among the schemes developed under the EMFF programme was the New Fishermen Scheme, which was implemented by an Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Open to young fishers (under 40 years of age) to establish themselves in the fishing industry by aiding the acquisition cost of their first fishing vessel, the scheme provided grant funding for the purchase of their first vessel, covering up to 25% of the cost of a vessel to a maximum of €75,000.
Approximately €1.15 million was provided in grant funding under this scheme to support 24 new fishers.
While the EMFF programme is in the process of closing, in December 2022 I announced the adoption of a new Seafood Development Programme under the European, Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
The EMFAF Operational Programme makes provision for the development of a similar scheme, with a similar allocation in funding, and work has begun on the development of implementation plans under this Programme.
