Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2022
311. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the offshore islands have been included as a distinct entity in the new EMFAF operational programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62573/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Seafood Development Programme has been developed to implement the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027. The Programme has been co-funded by the Government and represents a €258 million in our seafood sector and marine environment. It has been developed in the context of Union Priorities established by the EMFAF regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1139). Therefore, the Programme is a high-level framework for investment which assesses the requirements of the seafood sector, coastal communities and the marine environment in a holistic way. As such, the priorities identified across the Programme include the scope to support our island communities.
Union Priority 1 concerns fostering sustainable fisheries and the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources. Within this, particular attention has been given to small scale coastal fisheries which includes island-based fisheries. Under Union Priority 2, which concerns fostering sustainable aquaculture activities, and processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products, there is, among many actions, scope to support Producer Organisations. Our Island communities have representation in this regard. Union Priority 3 involves enabling a sustainable blue economy in coastal, island and inland areas, and fostering the development of fishing and aquaculture communities. Under this priority there is scope for ongoing community led local development, which has been carried out primarily through our Fisheries Local Action Groups. These groups have representation from our island communities and contribute to the development of community and entrepreneurial initiatives. Finally, Union Priority 4 concerns strengthening international ocean governance and enabling seas and oceans to be safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed. This ultimately contributes to protecting our natural marine environment and resources, including for our islands.
Following the adoption of my Department’s programme by the European Commission, the implementation of the actions in the plan can become more defined. Specifically, schemes will be developed by relevant stakeholders for approval by the Programme’s Monitoring Committee. Based on these schemes, individual projects can be developed which can support more specific areas or work.
