Vol. 568 No. 2
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which the Irish fishing fleet can compete with European and non-European competitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16193/03]
The Government recognises the critical importance of securing a competitive, modern and safe Irish fleet and to this end some €95 million is being invested in the whitefish fleet under the National Development Plan 2000-06. This investment is building on the 1998-99 programme which has already seen €100 million invested in whitefish fleet renewal. Whitefish fleet development has been a particular priority and the Government has delivered on this priority by approving 70 renewal and modernisation projects, involving investment of €63.5 million under the current programme. In addition, investment of €1 million has been approved for vessel safety.
I am satisfied the investments supported by the Government in the period 1998-2006 have already substantially enhanced the competitiveness of our whitefish fleet and will continue to do so. Our pelagic fleet, which has not received aid for renewal, is already one of the most competitive fleets in this sector.
The Irish seafood industry is facing further major challenges over both the medium and long-term. The future of the industry depends on competitiveness and will require diversification as well as advances in technology, marketing, product quality and safety assurance. These critical challenges are being met under a number of targeted schemes particularly in relation to innovation and sustainability in the fishing sector and processing, human resources and marketing under the national development plan.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 178.
