asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the number of fish processing projects grantaided in each of the years from 1983 to 1985; and if he will give an estimate of the total number of people employed in the fish processing section as on 31 December 1985; the total amount of State money invested in the fish processing section between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1985; and the total received from the EC during the same period.
Written Answers. - Fish Processing Projects.
87.
While my Department do not have the primary role in grant aiding fish processing projects I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority and Údarás na Gaeltachta that the number of such grants made by them is as follows: 1983, 14; 1984, 35; 1985, 28.
It is estimated that 1,700 persons were engaged in full time employment in fish processing as at 31 December 1985. The total amount of State aid approved for investment in the fish processing sector between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1985 was £8.3 million; the total amount of aid received from the EC for fish processing projects during the same period was £5.1 million.