Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2023
125. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend a 2023 Brexit inshore fisheries business model adjustment scheme grant approval for a fisherman (details supplied) in County Kerry to allow further engagement regarding a repayment plan for outstanding harbour fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52795/23]
View answerAs I recently advised the Deputy, the Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme 2023 aims to provide assistance to inshore fishers in adjusting their business operations as a result of the impacts of Brexit. The scheme has a budget of some €3.5 million and is being administered by an Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) under the oversight of my Department.
The scheme is closed, and all payments under the scheme must be made by the 31 December 2023. BIM has no sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Plan Delivery and Reform to carry forward monies allocated for this scheme into 2024.
The terms and conditions of the scheme require, under Point 14, that all applicants must settle any outstanding licensing fees or harbour charges owing to my Department before payment of grant aid under this Scheme. This is a standard condition attaching to the payment of grant aid.
The scheme Terms and Conditions are available on BIMs website: BIM - Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme 2023
In that context, I have asked BIM to engage directly with the fisher whose details have been provided and to advise and update him of the status of his application.
Within my Department, the Debt Recovery Unit, liaises with Fishery Harbour Centre customers who fall into arrears, makes every effort to engage with customers from the earliest stage possible in managing debts accrued and preventing further debt accrual.
In the case of the details supplied, the repayment of harbour dues is subject to a Court ordered payment plan and it is not appropriate for me to comment further.
