Vol. 502 No. 3
142 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if there is a scheme available for young people anxious to get into the fishing industry; if there is any quota available; and, if so, the way in which they can apply. [8410/99]
BIM provides training courses to provide new entrants as well as existing skippers and crews with the necessary skills and qualifications for a career in the fishing sector. In particular, BIM provides structured deck crew training programmes for new recruits to the industry to certificate level. Recruitment of new entrants is carried out in the spring and autumn of each year. BIM does its best to accommodate all applicants with a genuine interest in a fishing career.
In addition, the whitefish fleet renewal programme which I delivered last year is providing, through a combination of tax incentives and capital grant aid, support for a total investment of up to £60 million in the whitefish fleet over a three year period. This has created significant opportunities for younger skippers to invest in new and modern second hand vessels and in the purchase of tonnage.
