Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2023
118. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to clarify the confusion which exists in a scheme (details supplied) in relation to whether or not it is calendar year sales or accounting year sales that are required for an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52730/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecognising the significant impact of the TCA on the Irish Seafood Sector, I established the Seafood Task force in March 2021 to examine the implications arising from the EU/UK TCA for the Irish Fishing industry and coastal communities particularly dependent upon it. Based on their deliberations, the Task force was asked to outline initiatives that could be taken to provide supports for development and restructuring so as to ensure a profitable and sustainable fishing and to identify opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities. The Fish Processor Transition Scheme reflects one such initiative.
This scheme will compensate processors that have suffered a reduction in turnover of at least 15% or more in the 12-month period of January to December 2021 compared to the average annual turnover for 2018 to 2020. The support is designed to stabilise cashflow and assist processors to adapt operations to the new trading arrangements with the UK. It will facilitate an orderly transition during the time needed for such companies to find alternative suppliers or to implement other structural measures (e.g., reconversion to other raw material or orderly reduction of business activity) post-TCA.
Applicants must demonstrate that this reduction in turnover is attributed to the TCA in respect of reduced supply of species directly impacted by quota cuts and/or because of increased operational costs for logistics and administration associated with Brexit.
My department has clarified to BIM that it is reasonable that existing company accounts for the relevant years be used for the purposes of determining the baseline figure that will be used to calculate losses for the purpose of this scheme. If any applicant has a query in relation to the methodology for the calculation of losses, they should contact BIM directly who will be able to advise them in relation to this.
