Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Fishery Grant.

John O'Donoghue

Ceist:

107 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for the Marine if he will ensure that a grant approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under an EU grant-aid scheme for processing and marketing of Fishery Products Regulation, EEC, 3699/93 will be paid immediately or at least in the manner communicated originally to the company and not in deferred yearly instalments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15723/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

The position is that under the operational programme for fisheries which was agreed in mid-1994. EU aid to fish processing in the period 1994-1999 has been allocated in annual tranches. The company to which the Deputy refers had a project approved in September of this year as part of the current tranche of EU funding.

Demand for funding significantly exceeds the aid available. As a result, grant payments in respect of approved projects are being phased over the years 1996-98. This approach has been adopted in order to maximise the spread, accommodate as many projects as possible and to protect the jobs of those who work in the fish processing sector. I would stress that this was clearly communicated to all successful applicants at approval stage in a letter of offer.

The grants will assist companies to meet the requirements of EU health and hygiene regulations which must be complied with from 1 January, 1996. Had only those projects which could be funded from the 1996 allocation been approved, many essential projects would have had to be excluded thereby placing numerous jobs right around the country at risk.

The decision to fund these projects for funding on a phased basis is the most prudent, indeed, only course available and will protect employment whilst enabling the sector to remain competitive and to operate in full compliance with EU standards.