Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:441 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the number of new boats currently being built in the pelagic sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21915/96]
Written Answers. - New Fishing Vessels.
A number of pelagic vessel owners have indicated to the Department plans to proceed with investment in new vessels. There has already been significant private investment in the Irish pelagic fleet, within existing fleet capacity constraints, in recent years and the fleet is now among the most modern in Europe.
Any plans for further investment by pelagic vessel owners will have to take account of current licensing policy parameters notably the "one for one" replacement tonnage requirement. They should have also have full regard for emerging opportunities and constraints and, in particular, the economics of realising available fishing opportunities as well as policy developments at EU level.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:442 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the number of new boats currently being built in the demersal sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21916/96]
The Department is not aware of any firm plans by individuals currently to proceed with investment in new boats for the whitefish fleet. The trend in the demersal fleet has been to introduce larger and more modern second hand vessels from abroad by way of replacement for existing boats.
A consultancy study is currently being undertaken to analyse, from all perspectives, the relative socio-economic and commercial merits of the introduction of new vessels into the whitefish fleet as against the introduction of second hand boats or modernisation of existing boats. The outcome of this study will critically inform an assessment of future directions for national fleet policy having regard for all relevant factors including developments at EU level.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:443 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, currently being taken to ensure that there is an increase in funding to meet the needs of renewing the whitefish sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21917/96]
The Operational Programme for Fisheries 1994-1999 provides for a specific study to determine the relative social and economic merits of the introduction of new vessels as against the modernisation of existing vessels. This study is under way as part of the overall review of the future directions of fleet policy which I have asked the Department to undertake and which will give full consideration to all relevant factors including the economics of realising available fishing opportunities, developments at EU level and the recommendations of the Review Group on Fishing Vessel Safety. The allocation of funds for fleet renewal will be considered in this context.