Vol. 506 No. 6
12 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has for the future expansion of the aquaculture industry to meet the target of doubling the value of this sector within the life of the next operational programme in the years 2000 to 2006. [15976/99]
The recent reports by BIM, the CFP strategy review group and the IFA underline the potential for significant expansion of the aquaculture sector up to 2006 and beyond. They recommend investment support programmes to support ambitious but achievable targets for aquaculture output and value over the period.
The reports accord with my analysis of the scope for significant expansion of the sector which is in line with global trends. The value of aquaculture to the economy has quadrupled in the past decade to £60 million and is largely export driven. Irish aquaculture now contributes more than 25 per cent of raw material supply to our seafood processing sector and is also recognised in key overseas markets as delivering premium quality product. My objective is to position the sector to maximise the opportunities for sus tainable growth, value added and jobs with the necessary investment support. I am working to deliver that investment support in the context of current discussions on national investment priorities 2000-2006.
My strategic objective is to deliver sustainable development of the aquaculture industry, underpinned by the new licensing framework, which will create viable jobs and economic activity in coastal communities, and which will capitalise on the very significant export market opportunities for quality value added seafood products. The main challenge for the sector in the medium term is to reach a critical mass in output, volume and value. This will ensure the necessary economies of scale and continuity of supply are achieved for processing and exports. The development of new species and the application of leading edge technology are key objectives also for the sector. Investment support under the present operational programme has been critical to the achievements to date. Further investment support will underpin future expansion and diversification of this valuable indigenous sector.
Does the Minister agree that, with the production of 8 million tonnes of fish annually from fisheries and aquaculture, the EU is the third largest fishing power after China and Peru? While 1.5 million tonnes were exported from the EU, 4.5 million tonnes were imported to meet the needs of the EU market. Does the Minister realise that the growth in Irish seafood production is market led and is not contained by catch restrictions?
We have seen a rapid expansion in the aquaculture industry. I am critical of the level of support the industry receives from the Government at present. If we are to capitalise on this valuable industry, we must meet its infrastructural needs. We are dragging our feet in meeting those demands if the industry is to capitalise on the valuable EU export market in the future.
The industry, particularly the producers, has given the Government a vote of confidence in that it has quadrupled the income from the aquaculture industry recently. No area demonstrates that better than the Deputy's area of Bantry, which I have often visited. I am in awe of the tremendous work done there by the industry. I assure the Deputy we will continue to support this industry because I share the view that it has tremendous potential. Because it has potential, we must invest in it. The industry is strong enough to continue to achieve what is possible and to take advantage of the fantastic European markets, which the Deputy mentioned.
Does the Minister agree we are dragging our feet in terms of making a state-of-the-art infrastructure available to this industry? We have no immediate plans to improve the pier at Bantry, and Bantry Bay is the capital of the aquaculture industry. The pier is incapable of handling this huge industry at the moment. I appeal to the Minister to allocate funds immediately or, if at all possible, by the year 2000 to meet the demands of this ever-growing industry.
As the Deputy will know, I was in Bantry recently laying the foundation stone for a substantial factory and also opening an aquaculture factory, the result of £8 million investment in a small area. That money was deserved, well spent and will reflect well in the area with regard to wealth generation and jobs. I agree other pieces of the jigsaw must be attended to. The Deputy referred to the harbour pier at Bantry Bay. As the Deputy will know, I met representatives there on any occasion I visited.
We must now proceed to Question No. 13.
As the saying goes, saved by the bell. The Minister has also met these people and I am sure we have not heard the last from Deputy Sheehan on this matter.
