Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the BIM officials for the report. I have almost identical concerns to Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív about the plight of over 80% of those involved in the industry. This affects every little coastal pier in the west, the south west and on the east coast. Much of the local economy depends on what is produced by the small operator. There is nothing coming either from the Government or BIM's report which will help in any way in that regard. The word being used in reference to the industry and fish stocks is "sustainability". While it is laudable to have sustainability of fish stocks, there is certainly an absence of what will sustain rural coastal communities.

Another question was asked by Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív about FLAG schemes. I hope I am reading this incorrectly. Reference was made to grant aid for 41 projects totalling €95,000 in 2013. In the scale of things, that is a minuscule amount.

I have argued consistently in my own community and the wider constituency that if used properly, benefits will come from it. What is missing - I do not say this lightly, certainly at the two meetings BIM officials attended - is BIM's credibility among coastal communities. People have lost confidence in it and the wider policy of successive Governments on the survival of coastal and fishing communities.

Mr Keatinge said the demand for seafood was projected to grow by 42 million tonnes per annum, according to the Food and Agricultural Organization. I assume that is to meet the demand of the increasing world population. If there is a fish stock sustainability problem, I presume the delegates are talking primarily about fish farming. I presume the Galway Bay project proposed by BIM which is projected to produce 15,000 tonnes per annum has been factored in to the supply. Last year the Chairman of the joint committee, Deputies Michael McNamara and Éamon Ó Cuív and I travelled to Scotland to meet people associated with the fishing industry and they were alarmed by the proposed Galway Bay project. During the storms early last year fish farms and fish escapes in the south suffered damage. However, if the project had been up and running in Galway Bay, it would have been catastrophic for coastal communities in the south. BIM proposes to entice a reputable operator to operate the project. I do not know how that will benefit the majority of coastal communities. I do not believe everything will go to plan, as there are too many difficulties and the various agencies are not in agreement. They are in opposition to each other, which can lead to a project not succeeding.

In practically every coastal village there is an opportunity, if resources are invested in the right direction, to develop the fishing fleet by helping people through difficult times. There is also potential for the growth of the organic sector. Have the delegates from BIM ever looked at the possibility of onshore fish farming? Everybody to whom I have spoken from BIM and other sectors is in opposition to it because of the cost factor which would include the cost of pumping water and electricity. Has anybody considered taking a joined up approach to marine issues, wind farms and so on? Is any effort being made by BIM to conduct a pilot scheme in respect of onshore fish farming? If something like it were to work and be sustainable economically, it could create opportunities in many areas.

Small farmers who are struggling to survive have the opportunity to avail of the farm assist scheme. Those who are not making a viable income from their holding can resort to that scheme until they get out of their difficulties.

It helps to sustain them on their land and avoid the social consequences of their leaving their area. Has any thought been given to introducing a similar assistance scheme for fishermen? Mr. Keatinge has referred to boat owners and crew members. Could the social insurance scheme be tailored in such a way that fishermen would be encouraged to sign on when they have no work, rather than being treated as self-employed persons with no such rights? Just after Christmas there was a period of 12 or 13 weeks during which the 80% of fishermen engaged in onshore fishing could not work. Has any thought be given to initiatives to sustain that sector in order that we keep as many people as possible in coastal communities who will contribute to the local economy?