Vol. 469 No. 4
68 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself that the fishing industry is being supported in proportion to its value, which is £2 billion per annum; and the proposals, if any, he has to assist in this regard in view of the willingness among the community to expand this industry. [17566/96]
The volume of Irish fish landings in 1995 was 387,822 tonnes with an estimated value of some £123 million. This represents a significant contribution to economic activity at national level and especially at regional level for coastal communities dependent on fishing.
The fishing sector as a whole is supported by a significant investment programme under the EU Structural Funds. Some £81 million of grant-aid, EU and Exchequer, is available under the fisheries operational programme 1994-9 and a further £7.5 million is available under the PESCA Community initiative. These programmes involve a total investment of public and private funds of some £160 million in the fisheries sector over the period 1994-9. The planned investment is being carefully targeted to maintain and strengthen the sector's contribution to the national economy and in particular to growth and employment in coastal communities.
