Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2019
533. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund; the application criteria; the organisations that may apply; the assessment criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53019/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme 2014-2020 is the vehicle for financial supports to the seafood sector and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
The Programme delivers a wide range of supports for enterprises and individuals in the fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors, for coastal communities through the Fisheries Local Action Groups, and for control and enforcement of the Common Fisheries Policy, EU Data Collection and measures under the Integrated Maritime policy. Supports are delivered through a suite of 18 schemes, covering measures such as innovation and research, capital investment, training, advisory services, marketing, stock conservation and management, and environmental sustainability.
Details of the various schemes, who may be eligible to apply for aid and the detailed application and assessment criteria are specified in detail on the website of Bord Iascaigh Mhara at the following link: http://www.bim.ie/schemes. Eligible beneficiaries of aid and the application and assessment criteria vary depending on the scheme and its target audience.
