Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I know the committee has received the documentation. Before I commence, I highlight the importance of the seafood sector, which I think the committee is well aware of and the positive impact it has on coastal communities. Our seafood sector consists of approximately 2,000 fishing vessels and aquaculture sites and supports more than 16,000 direct and indirect jobs in the coastal communities. The sector is essential to these coastal communities. From my perspective, it is a sector I want to work with, grow and develop to the best of our collective abilities over the coming years. The committee will be familiar with the programme for Government and the commitments set out therein. While today might not be the appropriate time to discuss those, I am available to the committee to engage on them over time. I want to work with the committee in that regard.

The Revised Estimates are a particular process we must go through every year. I had the opportunity to sit on the other side of the fence on numerous occasions to discuss them. For 2025, the total Exchequer contribution to the Vote of my Department amounts to €2.14 billion. That is the entirety of the quantum of money available to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It comprises about €1.8 billion in current expenditure and €336.6 million in capital expenditure. When all of the appropriations-in-aid are considered, the 2025 net Vote is estimated to be €1.73 billion.

Concentrating on Vote 30, programme D, which is the area I have responsibility for, amounts to €177 million, comprised of €116 million in current expenditure and €61 million in capital expenditure. The 2025 Vote provides the Department with the resources both to address the many challenges the seafood sector faces, as well as the ability to deliver on the opportunities that exist across the sector. To support that ambition, the €177 million allocated to programme D will continue to support the fisheries, aquaculture and seafood sectors. I can go into the detail, if necessary, but it is contained in the note provided. That is important in terms of the overall elements that will be supported through that. The committee has a copy of the brief.

I now turn to the area covered under the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. That is set out at programmes C10 and C11. In the Revised Estimate for the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, there are two subheads in programme C. The Revised Estimate was required due to the recent transfer of the communications and cybersecurity functions from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and the Department of justice.

The total gross Estimate for the Department this year is €979 million and €973.2 million net. This amount comprises just under €211 million in current expenditure and just over €768 million in capital funding. The 2025 Estimate represents a 45% decrease on last year’s allocation. However, when taking account of the €520 million allocation in 2024 for the electricity credit scheme and the transfer of the communications functions, the 2025 Estimate represents a 21% increase on last year’s Estimate for the Department. When comparing the two Votes, it appears there has been a considerable drop in money but it is due to functions being changed and removed. It is not, therefore, the case that the Department has lost money.

On the two subheads specifically, under the circular economy section, subhead C10 is the marine spatial planning programme. Although there is no increase on last year's allocation, €2.2 million is being provided for the ongoing implementation of the marine spatial planning programme. We spoke about this briefly before but there is an adequate sum of money to assist us in developing the national designated maritime area plan, or DMAP. That is very much in its early stages but I am confident we have the appropriate amount of resources in place.

MARA will have a 31% increase in its allocation, bringing it to €10.2 million. That is in line with the agency's gradual development since its inception under which it will take on additional resources in line with commitments given at that time.