asked the Minister for the Marine when he will take the action necessary to give effect to the EC scheme under which fishing vessels may be decommissioned in view of the number of vessels owners who wish to take advantage of EC aid to replace their boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fishing Vessels Scheme.
42.
The current EC structures measures for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors include provision for financial assistance towards the permanent withdrawal of vessels from the fishing fleet. Such assistance is contingent on a member state contributing 50 per cent of the total cost involved. The basic aim behind the withdrawal scheme is to eliminate excess fishing capacity from the fleet and not to replace old vessels with new ones. Consequently any person receiving a withdrawal premium is deemed ineligible for an EC grant for the construction of a new vessel to replace that withdrawn. In any event the terms and conditions applying to the withdrawal scheme are very restrictive, with limited scope. Taking these factors into account and in view of the developing nature of the Irish fleet, it is felt that the best interests of the Irish fishing industry would be served by concentrating the financial resources currently available on fleet renewal and modernisation. I have, therefore, no plans at present for the introduction of a withdrawal scheme as suggested.