Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Fishing Industry Development.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2007

Wednesday, 14 February 2007

Ceisteanna (92)

Jack Wall

Ceist:

135 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the conditions under which he will allocate the further €118 million funding as set out in the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 for marine and coastal communities; the changes in the industry the €118 million will depend on; the way he will ensure that these changes are carried out in a verified manner; the way this €118 million in funding will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5261/07]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy knows the Government has recently appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to act as Chairman of the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group which is being put in place to oversee the implementation of the strategic report, on the seafood industry, ‘Steering A New Course'. The report, which took on board the views of fishermen, fish farmers, processors, marketers and other stakeholders, focuses on ten core themes and outlines specific actions to be taken in order to achieve a sustainable seafood industry.

The Implementation Group, under the guidance of Dr. Cawley, will develop a detailed implementation plan, oversee its delivery and monitor and report on the progress of its implementation over the course of the lifetime of the new National Development Plan 2007-2013. The proposed extra €118 million is an intrinsic and central part of the overall strategy. In time the allocation of these funds will be very much dependent and contingent on the ongoing and successful implementation of the different facets of the Strategic Report throughout this period towards 2013.

To deliver this programme of investment, it is most important that all sectors of the fishing industry work together in a concerted and focused way. The strategic report identifies the importance of the industry in achieving success and the need for a substantial programme of change. A restructuring of the fishing fleet through further decommissioning schemes is envisaged in tandem with a new approach to the management of quotas.

Industry's current approach to the market and its performance within the marketplace is also highlighted as being well below that which exists in other sectors of the Irish food industry. However, the Report sees this gap in performance as an "opportunity gap" and urges all sectors of the fishing industry to grasp the opportunity and to fully play an active and willing part to fully maximise the development potential of the industry.

The report identifies a need for serious changes in the seafood processing sector. It describes this sector currently as being fragmented, operating at significant over-capacity and generating very little profit. The aquaculture sector is another sector seen as not yet delivering on its full potential but through changes in approach and serious engagement between the various parties its true potential can be achieved. Enhancements in competitiveness and participation in education and training and the provision of environmental safeguards are all seen as vitally important.

I am confident that there is the necessary commitment to change within the seafood industry. With this approach I firmly believe that the recommendations set down in the Strategic Report can and will be delivered.

Question No. 136 answered with QuestionNo. 118.
Barr
Roinn