Michael Healy-Rae
Question:635. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a fisheries matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55310/23]
View answerTuesday, 12 December 2023
Questions (635)
Written answers
I am very aware of the challenges the Inshore sector is facing at the moment.
My Department has provided a range of supports to the inshore fleet over the past few years, funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), and will continue to provide supports to this fleet as further schemes are developed and implemented under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) over the coming years.
With the assistance of my Department, the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) achieved recognition as an EU Producer Organisation and joined the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) in representing the inshore sector. These organisations, through the implementation of Production and Marketing Plans, will help to develop opportunities for their members. Both of these organisations are eligible for funding under the EMFAF programme to assist in the achievement of their aims.
It is vital that, in addition to funding supports, we also work to identify and develop new markets for these vessels. As such, I participate in an ongoing programme of trade missions and promotional activities to enhance the continuing efforts of Bord Bia and industry in marketing Ireland's high quality and sustainable seafood and agrifood produce in key priority markets such as China, South East Asia and West Africa and to a number of key European markets all of which are priority growth targets for Ireland’s seafood and agrifood export sectors.
Additionally, in terms of the domestic market, Bord Bia commenced an Irish seafood advertising campaign for four weeks on 4th December. This campaign includes radio advertising along with social media activity, which feature a series of Irish seafood recipe adverts on Bord Bia’s media channels. The species in this promotion are Irish crab, salmon, trout, langoustines, haddock, monkfish and oysters. This will increase the profile for Irish seafood in the run up to Christmas and should drive preferences for Irish seafood and increase consumption in the home market.
Question No. 636 answered with Question No. 628.
Question No. 637 answered with Question No. 620.
Question No. 638 answered with Question No. 620.