Written Answers Nos. 701-721
701. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has examined the various potential options for micro electricity generation, farm management, tree planting and or any other measures likely to offset against or reduce carbon emissions with particular reference to the need to ensure family farm viability into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54182/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent launch of the Climate Action Plan 2021 has highlighted a series of actions for all sectors of the economy which must be implemented to place Ireland firmly on the pathway to a more sustainable future. Our combined efforts to implement these actions and achieve ambitious targets will create a cleaner, greener economy and society, while also protecting society from the devastating consequences of climate change
The agricultural sector in particular has ambitious targets within this plan which include the reduction of emissions by 22-30% by 2030 with the over-arching aim of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050.
Measures specific to the agricultural sector which have been included in the plan include the increased uptake of GHG-efficient farming practices, reducing fertiliser use, increasing the use of clover, multi-species swards, improving animal breeding and reducing the crude protein in the diet, as well as earlier finishing of animals and increase in organics.
These measures will be backed by a research programme to bring new technologies and feed additives on stream to aid in reaching our ambitions. The Climate Action Plan also commits the Government to examining pathways to significantly increase the area of land under organic production while also exploring the development of a carbon farming model for Irish farmers and land owners which financially rewards the carbon sequestration and emission reduction/off setting activities taking place every-day on Irish farms across the country.
To help encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, my Department will continue to provide grant aid through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) to assist our farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of mainly roof-top Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms across the country.
702. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that are ongoing in the context of bovine TB eradication with particular reference to the need to identify animal or bird life deemed to be carriers of the disease; the scientific evidence available in this regard to date; the actions proposed on foot thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54183/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine TB is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium bovis (M bovis), with infection endemic in cattle and badgers in Ireland. Birds are not susceptible to infection with this bacteria, and so cannot become carriers. While many mammalian species may become infected with M bovis (including humans), these are generally spillover infections rather than the result of ongoing circulation within these other species. It is important to note that infections in other species are identified at a very low rate each year, with comprehensive surveillance through my Departments Veterinary Laboratory Service (VLS) and Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVL).
When M bovis infection is identified, actions are taken to manage any risks to public and animal health. This may include advice to the owner, additional testing of any bovines co-located with the infected animals, or additional testing of any cohorts of the infected animal, as appropriate to the situation, in addition to biosecurity advice. The premises may be restricted pending the resolution of the incident to prevent spread to other holdings.
Ireland’s bTB Eradication Programme is in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. The bovine TB eradication programme continues to be based on science and informed by ongoing research into this disease. My Department has for many years provided funding for TB epidemiological research and continues to do so.
The new TB eradication strategy, which I launched in January 2021, sets out the actions which, together with stakeholders, my Department will take to reduce TB transmission, drive towards eradication, prevent cattle from infection and protect farm families from the stress of a TB breakdown in their herd. The strategy is available at www.bovinetb.ie.
703. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 39.5 acres, 16 hectares of forestry land owned by Coillte (details supplied) is for sale; if he will take immediate action to ensure this land is not sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54193/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra704. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte need his permission to sell any or part of its forestry land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54201/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra705. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte sought his permission or advice with regard to its decision to put the site at a location (details supplied) up for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54202/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 703 to 705, inclusive, together.
Coillte is operationally independent of the Department and the management of their forest estate is a matter for the company.
Under Section 14 of the Forestry Act 1988, ‘the company shall submit to and agree with the Minister each year a programme for the sale and acquisition of land and the sale of timber, whether standing or felled.’ Coillte is fully in compliance with this requirement and provided a letter to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on 15th April 2021 in which the Chairperson of Coillte affirmed that disposal procedures in accordance with the Code of Practice were in place and operational.
Coillte also operate in compliance with section 8.34 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies which requires that disposals of land above a value of €150,000 should be by auction or competitive tendering process, other than in exceptional circumstances.
I have made enquiries with the company in relation to this particular matter.
Coillte was approached by an interested party in relation to the purchase of these lands and took a considered decision that the land in question could be made available for sale.
Coillte is aware of both the geology and cultural heritage interests of the site and of the two monuments on the site which are classed as enclosures.
Should the lands sell, Coillte would notify the purchaser (through the legal sales contract) of their obligations in how those monuments are managed and protected.
It is worth noting that any purchaser will have to comply with legal obligations in relation to tree-felling under the Forestry Act 2014.
706. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide clarification on what he and his Department understand by the term stabilisation with respect to policies or commitments impacting the national herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54240/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s new Climate Action Plan sets out a 22% - 30% reduction in agricultural GHGs by 2030, based on a starting point of 23MT, to bring emissions into a range of 16-18 MT by 2030, an absolute reduction of between 5 and 7 MT.
The term 'stabilisation' in the context of the Deputy's question refers to the Government's position on maintaining a stable herd. Looking back over the last decade, data from the CSO’s June Livestock Survey indicates that the total number of cattle has increased by 11% over the period from 2010 to 2021; while the total number of cows has increased by 14% over that period.
The Government’s position is to maintain a stable number of animals in the herd, while reducing the absolute emissions of the sector and improving the carbon footprint of our produce.
In stabilising the national herd, the focus over the coming decade will be the increased and early adoption of existing carbon mitigation measures, while working to develop new abatement measures through research and innovation. National herd numbers by 2030 will be determined not only by how technology and innovation deliver for the agricultural sector, but also to what extent livestock farmers embrace other opportunities and voluntarily diversify to other agricultural enterprises, for example extending organic farming practices.
While I acknowledge that the emissions reductions target for the sector is challenging, I am confident that it is achievable. The Food Vision 2030 strategy includes a commitment to produce detailed plans by Quarter 2 of next year to manage the sustainable environmental footprint of the dairy and the beef sectors; and I will be prioritising that action.
707. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the possible provision of funding to complete works to the wall at the pier entrance in Helvick, County Waterford; the position regarding required dredging works to ensure that vessels can travel freely as opposed to current situation by which they must await certain tide levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54255/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra717. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding that is available from his Department to fund pre-dredging works at Helvick Head Pier, County Waterford such as for an environmental impact assessment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54463/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 707 and 717 together.
The pier at Helvick Harbour is owned by Waterford City & County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with that local authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage thereafter.
My Department provides funding to assist coastal local authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of local authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Funding under the Programme is confined to capital works only. Between the years 2010-2020, Waterford City & County Council has received funding of €3.1m under this programme, with €530,000 of this allocated for works at Helvick Pier. Most recently in May the Council secured funding of €510,0000 to support five projects including an allocation of €150,000 for upgrade works at Helvick Pier.
Any decisions concerning future developments at Helvick Pier are a matter for the local authority concerned.
Recently, I received the Report of the Seafood Sector Task Force which makes recommendations to address the impacts on the fishing sector and coastal communities of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. The Taskforce has recommended an initiative of significant investment in publicly owned marine infrastructure to assist in diversification of economic opportunities and I have asked my Department officials to urgently examine this recommendation (as well as the others).
708. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to the increase in outbreaks of TB in an area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54257/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing many successful years of reducing bovine TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers, there is a concerning incremental increase in the disease since 2016. In 2020, herd incidence (on a year-to-date basis) breached 4% for the first time since 2012 and reactor numbers exceeded 20,000 – the highest number since 2009. There are positive indications of progress though; the TB situation for 2021 is likely to represent an improvement compared to 2020, and working together we can build on that momentum. On a 12-month rolling basis as of 31st October 2021, nationally herd incidence stands at 4.25%. Waterford herd incidence stands at 4.34%.
The bovine TB eradication programme for Waterford is implemented through Waterford Regional Veterinary Office (RVO). The RVO main function is to ensure delivery of the programme and verification of effective controls.
Waterford RVO is staffed by teams of Veterinary, Technical and Administrative personnel. The teams do not solely work on the bTB Eradication programme, they are also involved in working on various other animal health welfare programmes.
Unfortunately, vacancies can arise within RVO from time to time. I have been made aware of the vacant positions and I recognise the urgency in filling these posts. As of the 31st October 2021, within Waterford RVO there were no veterinary vacancies, 3 technical vacancies and no administrative vacancies.
My Department and I are continuously working to fill vacancies as soon as possible after they arise and I would like to give you my assurance that these vacancies will be filled at the earliest possible juncture. In addition, as part of my on-going commitment to eradicating this disease I have sanctioned an additional €1m in funding for the wildlife programme which is an integral element of the overall programme. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional burden associated with a TB breakdown and my Department is working with all stakeholders to tackle this problem.
709. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will publish the recently concluded survey by the Marine Institute on brown crab stock in coastal waters here; and if he will request the Marine Institute to meet with brown crab fishermen representatives to discuss this survey and their proposals for sustaining the stock. [54259/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra710. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will set out the parameters and methodology used by the Marine Institute when it conducted a recent marine survey on brown crab stock in coastal waters here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54260/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 709 and 710 together.
As I am sure the Deputy is aware, scientific assessments of sea-fish stocks, including inshore stocks, are carried out by the Marine Institute. The Marine Institute is the statutory body whose function is inter alia to undertake sea-fisheries research, assess and advise on the sustainable management of marine fisheries resources in the waters around Ireland and on the impacts of fisheries on the ecosystem.
The Marine Institute regularly reports on trends in the brown crab fishery in the Shellfish Stocks and Fisheries
Review, which it publishes annually with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). The Review focuses on non-quota species, such as brown crab, lobster and razor clam, as well as the activity of the shellfish fleet. It can be accessed online, along with other Marine Institute publications at oar.marine.ie/.
I am advised that the Marine Institute's recent stock assessment of brown crab included the fishery off the northwest coast (the Malin shelf stock) as well as trends in other coastal areas. The Marine Institute based its assessment on data gathered directly from skippers (by BIM and the Marine Institute) as well as landings data compiled by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. The Marine Institute collects data onboard commercial fishing vessels through its Scientific Observer programme. It also contracts skippers to gather data on catch, effort and other data relevant to stock assessment. BIM gathers similar data through the Sentinel Vessel programme.
I understand the Marine Institute has already met with inshore fishing representatives, including the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF), to present the findings from its assessment of the brown crab fishery. The Marine Institute has provided a copy of its presentation to the NIFF and the Regional Forums. In addition, the Marine Institute has informed my Department that it is preparing scientific advice regarding the brown crab fishery based on the stock assessment. When received, this advice will be carefully reviewed by my Department and will be provided to fishing industry representatives. I have asked that the Marine Institute continue to work with the fishing sector on this issue.
I expect that the brown crab fishery will be discussed when I meet with the NIFF, along with representatives from the Marine Institute, BIM and the SFPA shortly. I look forward to discussing this issue with the NIFF members, as well as how we can continue working together to support the inshore community and the wider seafood sector in achieving its potential.
I would encourage fishers to bring suggestions for the management of brown crab, as well as other inshore stocks, to the attention of their local Regional Inshore Fisheries Forum. Information regarding the Forums, including contact details, is available at the Forums' dedicated website: inshoreforums.ie/
711. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the organisation or body that is responsible for overseeing standards and quality in brown crab for sale in Ireland and overseas; the way these standards are enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54261/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is an independent statutory body which has responsibility for seafood safety controls and the enforcement of seafood safety law, both of national and EU legislation that deals with health conditions for the production and placing on the market of fish, shellfish and fisheries products.
As the competent authority for the export certification of Irish seafood, the SFPA issues health certificates for consignments of live crab and other seafood exports in line with official controls for exports to third countries.
I should advise the Deputy that I am precluded by Statute from interfering in the performance by the SFPA of a function assigned to it or exercising any power or control in relation to individual or groups of cases with which the Authority may be concerned.
712. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the payments due to a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [54264/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe above named person submitted a 2021 BPS application on 6th May 2021. This application similar to all BPS applications is subject to administrative checks, prior to payment issuing. My Department is currently working on the administrative checks in relation to this BPS application. Once these are complete, any payment due will issue under the 2021 BPS scheme.
Department officials are in contact with the applicant and will update her as the checks progress.
713. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to include rabbits on the list of animals covered by the fur farming ban in the upcoming Animal Health and Welfare (Amendment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54276/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which proposes to prohibit fur farming in Ireland, is currently going through the legislative process in Dail Eireann. A list of specified animals that the prohibition applies to, is included in the Bill. This list includes rabbits.
This Bill can be viewed at the following link:
gov.ie - Animal Health and Welfare - Legislation (www.gov.ie)
714. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total funding allocated for on-farm investments in Budget 2021 and Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54384/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total funding allocated for on-farm investments in Budgets 2021 and 2022 are outlined in the table below.
Table: On-farm Investment allocations for 2021 and 2022
|
On Farm Investment allocation Budget 2021 €m |
On Farm Investment allocation Budget 2022 €m |
|
|
Total |
90 |
80 |
The definitive allocation for 2022 will be set out in the 2022 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which will be published later this year.
Uptake under the suite of measures available under TAMS II has been significant with over 54,950 applications received to date. Payments valued at over €304m have now issued in respect of completed works associated with 23,400 approved applications. TAMS payments to date in 2021 have reached €53.4m.
TAMS is a demand-led scheme and all approved participants who have completed their approved works are strongly encouraged to submit their payment claims to allow for the early issue of payments. Tranche 24 of the scheme opened for applications on 6th November 2021.
715. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total funding available for on-farm investments between 2023 and 2027 with regard to the €100 million allocated as part of the CAP Strategic Plan in addition to funds remaining within the RDP less the funding allocated in budgets prior to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54385/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubject to EU Commission approval, it is currently proposed that under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), an On-farm Capital Investment Scheme will continue to support general investment at a 40% grant rate.
A higher investment rate of 60% will be offered to qualified young farmers and qualified female farmers to support generational renewal and gender balance.
As the scheme is demand-led, the annual indicative financial allocation for this intervention varies year on year, dependent on the number of projects receiving funding.
It is intended that €440m will be made available for on-farm investments over the period 2021-2027, of which €340m will be funded from the transitional RDP in the period 2021-2025. This reflects the significant front-loading of EU funding in the first two years of the EU budget period 2021-2027. Once this period elapses, the CAP Strategic Plan will support on-farm investments in 2026 and 2027.
The average annual funding over the seven-year period based on the proposed allocation across both programmes is €62.85m, which compares favourably with the average spend of €40m per annum over the seven year period 2014-2020, and the most recent five-year average spend for the period 2016-2020 of €52m per annum.
The allocation of funding will be kept under review over the period.
716. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has developed or is developing a strategy to support sustainable and eco-friendly inshore fishing; the grant funding that is available; if he has engaged with fishing representative organisations on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54462/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra720. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to allow the inshore fishing fleet to diversify its fishing opportunities away from over reliance on non-quota shellfish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54466/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 716 and 720 together.
Ireland’s goals for sustainable fisheries, including those inshore, are supported through the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The CFP provides the framework for the long-term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks around our shores and is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters.
The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future reflects this approach by committing to protect marine biodiversity and to secure a sustainable future for the fisheries sector while supporting coastal communities. In the Programme, the Government has committed to supporting the inshore fisheries sector in specific ways, including ensuring 'that inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and recreational fishers and that pair trawling will be prohibited inside the six-mile limit. I am fully supportive of this objective.
The National Inshore Fisheries Forum is currently in the process of implementing the first industry-led Strategy for the Irish inshore fisheries sector, with support from BIM, my Department and other agencies. The Strategy, which was launched in 2019, was developed through an extensive consultation process that engaged members of the inshore sector as well as other stakeholders. The priorities identified in the Strategy include the development of a profile of the inshore sector, building the sector’s capacity to engage with policy development and enhancing the industry’s understanding of management and planning for inshore fisheries.
The Strategy also facilitates the investigation of new diversification opportunities for the inshore fisheries sector where supported by solid evidence. While the inshore sector does focus on fishing for non-quota shellfish species, such as brown crab, lobster, cockle and razor clam, it should be noted that there are inshore fishers who fish for quota stocks as well, including demersal and pelagic stocks. For pelagic stocks such as mackerel, herring and horse mackerel, a number of fishing opportunities have been made available particularly for inshore fishing vessels.
In relation to funding, financial supports are available to the inshore fisheries sector under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme (EMFF) which my Department runs. The EMFF Sustainable Fisheries Scheme makes available grants to inshore fishers for investment on board to improve energy efficiency, selective fishing gear, health and safety and hygiene, product quality and to add value to catch. Grant rates of up to 70% are available for small scale coastal fisheries (SSCF) vessels. As the EMFF Programme is ending, the Sustainable Fisheries Scheme has recently closed to allow BIM time to assess what funds remain available for the scheme and it may briefly re-open again shortly.
Separately, the EMFF Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme offers grants to inshore fishers for capital investment onshore for facilities such as storage and refrigeration. This scheme provides grants of up to 80% for SSCF vessels.
My Department is presently preparing a new Seafood Development Programme for the 2021-27 period under the new European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. It is anticipated that this new Programme should be in place during the first half of 2022.
I have met with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and heard directly the concerns and goals of the inshore fisheries sector. I will be meeting with the Forum again shortly, along with representatives from the marine agencies. I look forward to discussing with the Forum members how we can continue working together to support the inshore community and the wider seafood sector in achieving its potential.
718. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will release the proposed terms for acceptance into the temporary and permanent tie-up and cessation schemes suggested in the recently published report of the Seafood Sector Task Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54464/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI established a Seafood Sector Task Force in March 2021 to examine the impacts on our fishing sector and coastal communities of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and to make recommendations to me on initiatives that could be taken to provide supports for development and restructuring so as to ensure a profitable and sustainable fishing fleet and to identify opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities dependent on fishing.
I received the report of the Task Force on 11th October and it makes recommendations for a broad range of support schemes to assist the seafood sector and coastal communities to mitigate the impacts of the TCA, including temporary and permanent cessation schemes for the fishing sector, liquidity support schemes, capital investment schemes, marketing supports, marine infrastructure renewal and enhanced community led local development through the seven Fisheries Local Action Groups.
In relation to temporary fleet tie-up, the earlier Interim Report of the Task Force had recommended that such a scheme be implemented in 2021 as an interim measure to support the income of the whitefish fleet pending more permanent fleet restructuring measures such as decommissioning. I accepted that recommendation and, following State Aid approval, a Brexit Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme opened for the period October to December 2021. Details are available on Bord Iascaigh Mhara's website at the following link bim.ie/fisheries/funding/brexit-temporary-tie-up-scheme/. Applications for tie-up during December close on 15 November.
In relation to the recommended whitefish fleet decommissioning scheme, and the recommended whitefish and pelagic tie-up schemes for 2022, and indeed the other recommendations of the Task Force, I am urgently examining the Task Force report with a view to quickly implementing a comprehensive response to the impacts of the TCA on our fishing sector and coastal communities. The measures recommended in the report are actively being examined with particular regard to available funds, eligibility of the recommended measures for funding under the BAR and with regard to State Aid rules and the Public Spending Code.
719. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will release to this Deputy the most recent development plans devised by his Department for a harbour extension at Dunmore East, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54465/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under statute. Capital funding is made available on an annual basis by my Department to the Fishery Harbour Centres, via the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.
A capital investment of €2.42 million has been allocated to works at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre in the 2021 Programme. Details of the development works which are being undertaken at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre are available online at gov.ie - Minister McConalogue announces €38.3 million in funding for Capital projects at Ireland’s six Fishery Harbour Centres including an enhanced scheme for 79 Local Authority harbours (www.gov.ie).
Since 2010, just under €19.8 million has been invested in Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre. Future development options continue to be explored; these would be subject to any necessary financial and consenting processes before being advanced.
721. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to create additional educational and training opportunities including apprenticeships for young persons to enter the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54467/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI keep the training and educational needs of our seafood sector under ongoing review with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) in order to ensure that the sector has the wide ranging skills and knowledge needed to operate safely and sustainably and achieve its potential to develop and prosper.
BIM makes available a wide ranging syllabus of specialist training for our seafood sector and further details are available at bim.ie/fisheries/training/. BIM also makes available grants under my Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme for participation in training and relevant educational programmes.
Some recent and upcoming additional training includes the redevelopment of the foundation deckhand programme to equip new entrants to the seafood industry with the core skills required to work on modern fishing vessels. This programme provides the base for those wishing to pursue a career at sea, and can be built upon with a range of subsequent programmes including radio training, marine firefighting and crew and skipper qualifications which are currently offered to the sector.
BIM has recently developed and attained approval for the delivery of STCW (Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping) Medical Care Aboard Ship which is a requirement for all skippers of fishing vessels over 15m in length.
BIM is also presently investigating the development of an apprenticeship in Marine Technology, which would upskill fishers in other fields, equipping them with skills that can be used elsewhere within the community.
