Gerry O'Sullivan
Ceist:39 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine the number of jobs he expects to be created in downstream fish processing projects in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fish Processing Jobs.
Based on the information available to me I estimate that 100-150 additional jobs will be created in the fish processing sector in 1990.
The investment programme to be undertaken in 1990 will be influenced to a large extent by the amount of EC FEOGA aid approved for projects. The additional jobs will arise from (i) projects already approved for FEOGA aid but not yet started, (ii) the expansion of existing enterprises and (iii) the start up of projects not yet approved for FEOGA aid, but expected to be approved and started up by the autumn.
The Government's commitment to the development of our natural resources is contained in the National Development Plan which envisages a total capital investment of £45 million in the fish processing sector over the period of the plan. Investment on this scale has the potential to attract £20 million in aid from FEOGA. Indeed, in 1989 a total of £4 million was awarded to Irish fish processing projects.
State support for the fish processing sector is directed towards achieving the objective of building a strong internationally competitive fish processing sector. The attainment of this goal will involve the optimum utilisation of raw material supplies by the processing sector through appropriate financial support, investigation of new alternative sources of supply, quality improvement and strengthened marketing.