Joe Walsh
Ceist:95 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for the Marine when payments will be made from the aid package for shell fish growers which was announced in October 1995. [1674/96]
Written Answers. - Shellfish Growers' Aid Package.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware the implementation of the £400,000 emergency aid scheme for shellfish growers is subject to EU approval.
Following an initial assessment of the scheme submitted by the Department to the European Commission for approval in October 1995 the Commission recently requested additional information in accordance with Article 93 (3) of the EC Treaty in order to state a position on the scheme. The Department has responded to this request and I am hopeful that the necessary clearance will be forthcoming shortly.
Pending receipt of EU approval, I requested BIM, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which is managing the scheme, to proceed to invite and process applications from eligible growers. The closing date for receipt of applications was 15 December 1995 and some 91 applications were received. BIM are currently undertaking a detailed assessment of each application to ensure that the scheme's conditions are fully met.