Departmental Schemes.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2009

Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Ceisteanna (182)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

231 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason fishermen on Lough Foyle have not received salmon hardship fund payments, even though these were due at the beginning of April 2009; if he will move immediately to ensure that these payments are made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19392/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Conor Lenihan)

I have been advised by the Loughs Agency who are the administrators of the hardship scheme referred to by the Deputy that the 2009 payments under the Fund were to issue no earlier than April 2009. I understand that these payments will issue in compliance with State Aid Notification rules at the earliest possible opportunity.