I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 29 together.
The seafood processing programme under the national development plan provides £25 million to underpin total investment in the sector of some £70 million. This investment will support strategic development of the seafood processing sector to build a competitive, value added capability of scale to the highest quality and technological standards.
The seafood processing strategy is informed by the first comprehensive independent report into future directions for the sector, carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants and PricewaterhouseCoopers, in consultation with the industry, BIM, Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and my Department. The strategy also builds on the recommendations of the industry-led north-west pelagic group which reported to me earlier this year.
I have met with the representatives of the sector to discuss the overall investment support strategy and I will meet them again in advance of the launch of the programme. My Department is also in ongoing consultation with Enterprise Ireland, BIM and Údarás na Gaeltachta, which will directly administer the investment support schemes.