I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
While there has been an appreciable drop in orders for new fishing vessels at the BIM boatyards at Baltimore and Dingle, I believe that this is of a temporary nature and stems mainly from the uncertainty surrounding the future EEC Common Fisheries Policy.
The position at the yards is at present under active consideration by the board, my Department and the Department of Finance with a view to seeing what can be done to maintain employment there. Meantime, I am glad to be able to announce improved terms for the purchase of fishing boats, which I am confident will help to generate more work in Irish boatyards. These comprise an extension of the loan repayment period for boats over 65 feet from eight years to up to 12 years; the provision of a new 25 per cent grant for the purchase of first issues of gear: and an increase from 25 per cent to 50 per cent in the grant towards the cost of converting boats to new approved fishing methods. These new aids, together with the existing ones, make our marine credit plan a highly attractive package for fishermen.