andMr. White asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to avail of the generous grants available from the EEC for the re-training of fishermen, presently being utilised by the British White Fish Authority on a large scale.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Re-training of Fishermen.
7.
The training of fishermen is a matter for An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to whom the responsibility for education and training was transferred in 1979. I understand from the bord that application has been made to the EEC for financial aid through the European Social Fund towards the re-training of fishermen.
What is the result of that?
We have not yet a result. The programme is, first of all, to re-train young unemployed people as fishermen and, secondly, to train existing fishermen in improved techniques. The amount of assistance being sought this year is in the region of £250,000 and 55 per cent of that will be recouped from the social fund. A course will be held in Greencastle and in other fishing ports as required.
Is the Minister aware that it is estimated that about 500 jobs have not been developed in the aquaculture area? Will he ensure that grants are made available for the re-training of people in this area?
That is the intention of the Department and BIM.
They are seeking about £3 million from the Department.