Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
996. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an appeal under the Brexit blue economy enterprise development scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12166/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund aimed to provide financial support to those most affected by Brexit in order to deal with the adverse economic, social, territorial and, where appropriate, environmental consequences of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union.
In line with the recommendations of the Seafood Task Force, I launched 16 schemes with a combined budget allocation of over €300 million in supports to fishers, to the aquaculture sector, to fish processors and to operators in the blue economy around our coastal communities. Included in those schemes was the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme, which was administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and had a budget of €12 million. Almost 390 beneficiaries were supported under this scheme.
In the case of the applicant in question, an asset was purchased and paid for by the applicant ahead of their application to BIM for funding under the scheme. Such expenditure is disallowed under the scheme. The applicant lodged an appeal on 30 November 2023. That appeal was unsuccessful for the reasons outlined above and the applicant was notified of the outcome of the appeal on 4 December 2023.
The scheme closed on 31 December 2023.
