127 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when grants and financial incentives will be introduced for new polyvalent fishing vessels; the position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15087/98]
I launched my scheme for the renewal of the whitefish fleet yesterday in Castle-townbere. The programme involves a grant aid scheme and tax incentives for the whitefish sector. The programme will support investment in a number of new and modern second-hand vessels for the whitefish fleet. In addition, there will be a targeted modernisation scheme and support scheme for essential safety equipment for vessels. The special tax reliefs which I secured in the Finance Act will complement the capital grant aid component of the programme by making the sector more attractive to investors and providers of capital.
