The Department has strongly refuted the conclusions in the ESRI report on national development priorities for 2000-06 and has expressed its views both orally and in writing. In addition, the CFP strategy review group published a report entitled National Investment Priorities for the Irish seafood industry. The review group disagrees fundamentally and in detail with the conclusions of the ESRI that public investment in the sector should decrease. Instead the group makes a compelling economic case for enhanced investment support for the sector, highlighting its importance for balanced socio-economic and regional development and an equitable distribution of economic activity.
The review group recommends a total investment programme for the seafood sector of £365 million over the next seven years of which the EU and Exchequer would contribute £199 million and the private sector £166 million. The group's report fully backs up BIM's analysis of the investment needs of the sector in the latter's Seafood Industry Agenda 2000 – 2006. The review group's economic analysis points to the significant contribution the sector already makes to output, exports, jobs and regional and local development. It underlines the potential for further growth and added value which will create lasting jobs in the regions.
I fully endorse this analysis and I am working with Government colleagues to secure the necessary investment support in the next round to underpin the development of the Irish seafood industry and of the marine and natural resources sectors generally. The National Development Plan is currently being finalised. I am confident the fisheries sector will be given a high priority to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for the Irish seafood industry and the communities it supports.