Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 2

Written Answers. - Seafish Industry.

Monica Barnes

Ceist:

57 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine the number of integrated programmes implemented or in process which have been developed specifically through the Government's Development Strategy for the seafish industry launched in 1988; the way in which these programmes are monitored; and if he will outline the effectiveness of the programmes.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

The following programmes have been developed in line with the development strategy:

Fishing fleet: a programme for the modernisation and restructuring of the fishing fleet is being pursued within the framework of multi-annual programmes, for the period to end 1991 and 1992-96, to better match available fish stocks and to strengthen its long term viability;

Exploratory fishing: Ireland is carrying out a major programme for exploratory fishing, availing fully of grants that are available from the EC Structural Fund;

Aquaculture: A programme for the development and expansion of the aquaculture sector is being pursued within the framework of multi-annual programmes for the period to the end of 1991 and 1992-96, to increase production, improve competiveness and to create additional employment;

Fish processing and marketing: A programme for the development of fish processing and marketing is being pursued within the terms of a European Community Support Framework; significant aid for the programme is envisaged with a view to supporting investment of up to £30 million over the period to end 1993;

Facilities: A programme for the improvement of facilities — Auction halls/ice plants etc — at fishing ports): with assistance from the ERDF under Council Regulation 4028/86, is being pursued; investment of £7.5 million is planned over the period to end 1993;

Hygiene and quality: A programme for the improvement of hygiene and quality generally is in place;

Monitoring and surveillance: The programme for the monitoring and surveillance of fishing activities is being expanded, with substantial financial assistance from the EC;

Manpower development: The manpower development programme for fishermen is being expanded, with financial assistance — in excess of £3.2 million over the period to end 1993 — from the ESF in the context of the Operational Programme for Rural Development.

Research: A major programme for research is being carried out in line with the Community programmes: FAR — Fisheries and Aquaculture Research — MAST — Marine Science and Technology — and STRIDE — Science and Technology in Regional Innovation and Development.

Expenditure and progress on each programme, under a series of indicators, particular to each programme, is being monitored by the Department of the Marine. Progress under each programme is satisfactory in line with these indicators: in particular, the job creation targets set in the various programmes are being met.