Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Keatinge for his presentation. He has touched on the inshore fleet which, by and large, has been neglected during the years. There is a need to implement inshore fisheries management plans in local areas. For example, there is an inshore fishery in south Donegal where large pelagic vessels come and scoop up fish, whether horse mackerel or scad. They rip up lobster pots and everything in front of them, much to the frustration of the local fishermen. The legislation governing this area dates back to the 1800s and the maximum fine is approximately five shillings. Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, is working on legislation that will be brought before the Oireachtas shortly. Not only do we need this legislation, we also need management plans to protect the inshore fisheries fleet.

I am not sure whether the FLAGS are engaged in supporting the inshore fisheries sector or whether steps are being taken in that regard. The funding issue is a big one. There is massive unemployment in coastal areas. The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund has the objective of sustaining small local communities, but the funding available to Ireland is very small in the overall context. It amounts to €2.5 million over the lifetime of the CFP. When we look at the average pay-out per project in respect of the 36 projects, it amounts to around €4,700. Grant aid amounts to €2,500 per project, which is only peanuts in the overall scale of things.

If I were to come forward with a project, I would not even approach the FLAG. I would go directly to the Leader company, Údarás na Gaeltachta or the county enterprise board because I would be wasting my time in drawing down a grant that would disallow me in drawing down another grant. There is a conflict of interest and we need some joined-up thinking. The funding should either be streamlined through Údarás na Gaeltachta, the enterprise boards or the Leader programme. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív spoke about the Leader protocol. I know Leader funding is not being brought under the local authorities, but is there anything to stop the Leader companies from establishing a sub-committee or sub-structure to administer this funding? Would there be any impediment in doing this?