Vol. 496 No. 1
70 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to bring forward a programme for the renewal of inshore fisheries which would complement the programme for the renewal of the whitefish fleet that is currently in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19960/98]
The safety equipment, modernisation, new and secondhand vessel grant aid measures contained in the whitefish vessel renewal package are open to vessels of all sizes in the whitefish and shellfish sectors. The package, therefore, represents opportunities for the inshore fleet as well. I have also asked the Department and BIM to undertake a strategic review of our inshore fisheries which will analyse the present state of play in the sector, including structural issues, conservation and management issues and existing and potential development opportunities of inshore stocks. The review will be informed by a technical assessment of the sector which has been commissioned by BIM and will be completed shortly. I have also mandated the national Common Fisheries Policy strategy review group to include the inshore fisheries as a specific item in its work programme. The group's considerations will be informed by the current strategic review and technical study.
