Michael Ring
Ceist:223 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine whether grant assistance to vessel owners towards safety at sea and the provision of shelter decks will continue; and if so, the budgeted guidelines in this regard. [17683/96]
Written Answers. - Safety at Sea.
Grant aid towards modernisation of fishing vessels, including safety improvements and the provision of shelter decks, is available under the fisheries operational programme up to 1999. Of around £11 million EU and Exchequer aid available towards modernisation over the period 1994 to 1999, some £4 million has been committed to date.
The rate of aid available for the modernisation of whitefish vessels under 33 metres is 30 per cent (EU and Exchequer). A rate of 25 per cent applies to larger whitefish vessels.
Applications for the next tranche of modernisation projects have been invited by An Board Iascaigh Mhara. All applications will be evaluated by BIM by reference to the criteria under the operational programme and will be submitted to me for approval in due course. I expect to approve this tranche of modernisation projects early next year.