Vol. 496 No. 1
122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which research into the fishing industry is currently undertaken; the individual or body who undertakes this research; whether this research is adequate to meet future requirements for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22140/98]
My Department is responsible, through the Operational Programme for Fisheries 1994-1999 for the funding of research and development programmes for the marine sector. Total expenditure on research and development under this programme will amount to £8 million approximately and of this £2.56 million will be spent in 1998.
Research and development under the Operational Programme for Fisheries focuses on the key areas of fisheries and aquaculture, national marine survey, marine technology development, and marine food processing. Funding under the programme has supported the acquisition of the first purpose-built Irish marine research vessel, Celtic Voyager. The vessel was delivered in August 1997 costing £2.1 million over two years, is under the management of the marine institute, and undertakes research on oceanography, fish stocks, marine environment and technology for fishing gear. In addition the vessel is available to public bodies, the private sector and universities for research purposes.
Funding under the programme is also supporting significant upgrading of marine research laboratories. Two million pounds of the marine research measure has been allocated to the provision and upgrading of marine research laboratories with a statutory function. Three projects will be funded under this sub-measure before the end of the programme in 1999. An extension to laboratory facilities at the Fisheries Research Centre, Abbotstown has now been completed at a cost of £1.25 million. Work has commenced on the construction of a technical support base in Galway in August of this year. Five hundred thousands pounds of marine research measure funds has been allocated to this project which will be completed in January 1999 and £250,000 has been allocated to the Salmon Research Agency in Newport for upgrading of their laboratories; work is due to commence in late 1998.
Funding is also provided by my Department for research undertaken by the marine institute and the Salmon Research Agency. The Marine Institute carries out essential programmes to underpin management decisions and policy including fish stocks assessment, aquaculture research, fish health and marine environmental issues. The Salmon Research Agency is focused on research activities such as the selective breeding of salmonids, rearing techniques and census work on wild populations. Funding for research by the two bodies amounts to £2.982 million in 1998.
Specific research on matters relevant to their remit is also undertaken by a number of other agencies under my Department's aegis, including Bord Iascaigh Mhara; such as fishing gear technology, food processing, aquaculture techniques; and the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards, water quality.
