Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 March 2014
174. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding inshore fisherman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12418/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my response to Question No. 228 on 27 February 2014, I advised the Deputy that many (not all) vessels that were harbour bound due to the severe weather were able to return to fishing during some breaks in the weather during February. My response was based on the information on fleet activity available to my Department, which is derived from the EU vessel monitoring systems fitted to fishing vessels over 12 metres. There is no equivalent real time means of monitoring the activity of smaller inshore vessels. However, I am conscious that such smaller vessels are even more weather dependent than the fleet generally. Informal reports from local officers from the agencies of my Department indicate to me that there was very limited fishing by the under 10 metre fleet during February, and I heard similar advice from many inshore fishermen at the recent Expo in Galway. I understand that in the present spell of fine weather these vessels are now returning to potting for lobster and crab.
I also advised the Deputy in my response on 27 February that the Minister for Social Protection has overall responsibility for funding income support to individuals and families in all sectors who have been unable to work because of adverse weather conditions. That remains the case.
In addition, I advised the Deputy of the €8.8 million made available by Government to repair in excess of 100 piers, harbours and slipways linked to fisheries and aquaculture and the €1.5 million to assist small inshore fishermen with the cost of replacing pots lost on the storms. These are significant interventions in the current economic circumstances and are a clear indication of this Government's commitment to assisting rural coastal communities and the inshore fishing sector with the impact of the adverse weather in the early months of this year.
