Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of the Irish fishing fleet to compete with particular reference to the availability of modern trawlers and procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25964/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the critical importance of securing a competitive, modern and safe Irish fleet and to this end €21 million has been approved for grant aid for whitefish fleet renewal, modernisation and for safety equipment under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. This week I secured the lifting of an European Commission moratorium which released €13.5 million of this approved grant aid to the Irish fishing industry. The Commission placed a moratorium on the payment of grant aid for fleet renewal and modernisation in June 2002 when it ruled that the management of the Irish fleet was not in accordance with EU rules. To address these issues a substantial programme of work and reform was carried to strengthen the management of the Irish fleet. Specific initiatives include the establishment of an independent sea fishing boat licensing policy with an independent appeals process. These measures have established the policies and structures whereby the capacity of the Irish fishing fleet can be effectively managed within the parameters set down in EU legislation. I am delighted that the processing and payment of aid towards approved grant aid projects by BIM can now proceed.
I am also satisfied that the white fish fleet renewal and modernisation investments supported by the Government in the period 1998-2006 have already substantially enhanced the competitiveness of our white fish fleet and will continue to do so. Our pelagic fleet, which has not received aid for renewal or modernisation, is already one of the most competitive fleets in Europe. 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 continued advances in technology, marketing, product quality and safety assurance. These critical challenges are being met under a number of targeted schemes in the fishing sector, particularly the support for innovation and sustainability in processing, human resources and marketing under the national development plan.
