Vol. 535 No. 4
96 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of his plans to modernise the Irish fishing fleet, with the resultant increase in catching power, he has estimated the likely fall in numbers of those fishing; and the consequences for coastal communities. [12826/01]
Investment strategies to support the modernisation of the Irish whitefish fleet are designed to enhance the safety, quality and competitiveness of the fleet. It is the case that increases in catching efficiency will tend to be combined with a degree of rationalisation in overall capacity and participation rates. This trend should contribute to the longer-term viability of the commercial whitefish sector, subject to the state of fish stocks. Overall modernisation of the whitefish fleet should not in itself result in declines in employment in the sector. Conversely, very significant labour shortages have developed in the fishing sector and one of the key objectives of the modernisation programme is to enhance the attractiveness of the sector for new entrants and to retain existing crews.
