Madeleine Taylor-Quinn
Ceist:35 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine the plans which exist in his Department to put in place a marine resource development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Marine Resources.
As the Deputy is aware, marine resources encompass a broad range of areas, all of which are targeted for planned development. In particular, development strategies are in place for the seafish industry covering the development of the catching, aquaculture, processing and marketing sectors and the development of fishery harbours under a £20 million investment programme I announced recently and for commercial harbours under a £69 million investment programme.
In relation to the shipping industry, my Department have in place a number of incentives to aid the development of the industry under the Shipping Investment Grants Act, 1987, and through the extension of the business expansion scheme to shipping. While my Department encourage the optimum take up of these incentives, decisions taken by the industry to avail of them are ultimately made on the basis of commercial considerations.