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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 1985

Vol. 357 No. 7

Written Answers. - Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

616.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will state — (1) the number of fishing vessels resumed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara each year since 1976; (2) the total amount due by fishermen to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara on resumed boats for each year since 1976; (3) the annual losses since 1976 as a result of resuming boats; (4) the number of boats sold outside the country each year since 1976; (5) the total number of fishermen who have hire purchase accounts with An Bord Iascaigh Mhara as at 31 March 1985; (6) the number of fishermen who on 31 March 1985, have: — boats under 40 ft. and boats between 41-50 ft.; 51-60 ft.; 61-70 ft.; 71-80 ft.; 81-90 ft.; 91-100 ft.; boats over 100 ft.; and in relation to each size (a) the number of boats (i) in arrears and (ii) up to date (b) the percentage up to date and (c) the amount of arrears and (d) the amount due to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara; (7) the total amount due by fishermen to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara on foot of their hire purchase accounts as at 31 March 1985; (8) the total number of boats due now to be resumed from fishermen by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the total amount due on such boats by fishermen to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara as at 31 March 1985; (9) the total amount due to banks on foot of guarantees issued by An Bord lascaigh Mhara on behalf of fishermen as at 31 March 1985; (10) if he is satisfied with the present system of financing the purchase of fishing vessels in view of the difficulties being experienced by fishermen in repaying loans, and if he will consider alternative methods of repayment as a means to easing the plight of fishermen all over the country.

With the exception of item 10, the information sought by the Deputy relates to the normal day-to-day activities of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and I will have to obtain it from the board. As compilation of the information sought will obviously take some time, I will communicate with the Deputy when it is available.

As regards item 10, I am satisfied that in the present economic circumstances the system of financing the purchase of fishing vessels is generous and, as the Deputy is aware, I recently announced a new rescue package to alleviate difficulties of fishermen in making repayments, which includes a rebate of the full excise duty on fuel oil, increased interest subsidies, restructuring of loans on an annuity basis and extension of the periods of repayment of loans. I am satisfied that these measures will afford considerable relief to fishermen in need.

617.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry (1) the total cost of the transfer of staff by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to its new headquarters in Dún Laoghaire, including the cost of furnishing and equipping the new offices; (2) the total cost of renting etc., the new headquarters from the start of leasing to 31 March 1985; and (3) if the former headquarters of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara in Ballsbridge, Dublin, is let and, if not, the total cost of rent etc., since it was vacated to 31 March 1985.

I have received the following information from BIM:

(1) Apart from the cost of physical removal of furniture and effects, viz. IR£15,553, there were no other costs incurred in the actual transfer of staff. The fitting out costs at the new headquarters in Dún Laoghaire amounted to IR£551,195.

(2) The cost of renting etc., the new headquarters from the start of leasing (October 1981) to 31 March 1985 was IR£1,154,491.

(3) The former headquarters in Ballsbridge has not been let but negotiations are proceeding with various interests with a view to possible sub-letting.

The cost of rent etc., since these former headquarters were vacated up to 31 March 1985 was IR£83,884.

618.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry (1) the number of fishing boats now being built for fishermen and the total cost of such vessels; and (2) if orders have been placed for either the building of new boats or the acquisition of boats already built outside of the country and the estimated total cost of such vessels.

Following is the information sought by the Deputy:

(1) I understand that there are currently 13 new vessels under construction for which the board is providing finance. The value of these contracts is approximately IR£600,000. There may be other vessels under construction in which the board are not financially involved.

(2) There are no new vessels currently being built outside the country in which the board are financially involved, nor are the board involved in the acquisition of boats already built outside the State.

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