Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
936. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the support schemes that will be available to Irish coastal fishing vessels to avail of emerging biomass technology and initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20233/20]
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. However, the current programme is coming to a close.
The development of a new operational programme for the sustainable development of the seafood sector for the 2021-27 period is currently underway but, as yet, not finalised. Therefore, it is not possible to outline future supports. The Programme will be developed in the context of the proposed EU Regulation on a European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, which is presently being negotiated by the EU co-legislators. The new operational programme will be co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
I should also point out that responsiblity for the regulation of marine fuels and safety at sea rests with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
