Mr. Michael Keatinge:

As a facilitator, we try to act more like a secretary to a board and provide them with guidance and assistance as they require it. On matters to do with governance, we have the final say. In other words, we cannot allow a body to make a decision that is illegal or do anything that is at variance with Community legislation. That is our role. We have a vested interest in ensuring the group functions well and if there were personality difficulties, we would help. However, our experience to date has been wonderfully encouraging.

To return to the point made by Deputy Martin Ferris, it is a very open process and if any group from any section of the community considered it should have a say, it would be welcome to do so. There is a balance to be struck on the committee in regard to numbers, but it is a very open process.

Senator Denis Landy asked about the list of 36 applicants. It will be available on the BIM website. I will provide the details for the Senator.

Deputy Noel Harrington asked about retraining. This morning I took the opportunity to meet my colleagues from the Marine Survey Office to explore that issue. We have been providing a large number of grants through the FLAGs to assist with retraining. This has been geared towards moving into the merchant navy and there are also opportunities to move into offshore oil supply or wind farm work. BIM has a role in training. We have always interpreted our role strictly, as providing training solely for those involved in the fishing sector. However, the point about Axis 4 is that it recognises fisheries can be in decline and that we need to look outwards.

At a parochial level, I am from Dunmore East and see the industry there at a crossroads as to whether it will become a Killybegs or a Salthill. It sees its future in the tourism industry. Greencastle is another example where there is a spillover; visitors from Derry have become very important to the community. These communities face change and part of Axis 4 is about facilitating that change. It is not just about fishing but also about the maritime sector in a wider context. It could be about marine tourism, including whale watching, sea angling, sailing, seafood and festivals. It is about any area in a coastal community that can provide new opportunities to retain people in the area.

It is important to stress this point. Personally, there is a role for the BIM training facilities in Greencastle which are a long way from the facility in Cork to provide transition training for fishermen who might seek alternative employment. As we know, inshore fishing is seasonal. What are these inshore fishermen to do in the winter? They could be gainfully employed working on offshore supply vessels, servicing wind farms or oil rigs. This is something I will put to the board. I also discussed putting it into effect with the Marine Survey Office this morning. I will return to the Deputy in due course on it.