Vol. 504 No. 6
37 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that the fishing industry is enjoying equal development opportunities with other EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12432/99]
My own commitment and that of the Government, to the continued development of the fishing industry is clearly underlined in delivery of exceptional funding support and tax incentives for the whitefish fleet renewal programme supporting up to £60 million investment in the fleet. I also achieved, in the context of the budget for 1999, a major increase in Exchequer funding for fishery harbours and aquaculture infrastructure development. These initiatives, together with ongoing EU funding support under the fisheries operational programme and the PESCA community initiative, are contributing to bridging the regional and sectoral development gap for the Irish fishing industry and to enhance its competitive position within the EU fishing industry overall.
