Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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The Minister gave a response in his opening statement on the reduction of €2.4 million in the BIM grant. The Minister stated it is because there has not been an uptake in grant schemes. If, for example, there is an increased uptake and there is a shortage of funding, will they be able to fund that anyway? It seems to be the only grant-aiding scheme for producers that has been targeted for a cut through the Department's cuts to make up this extra €15 million the Minister talks about. The Minister stated in his explanation that it was because they have not been getting ready for Brexit but it is not clear to fishermen what the impact of Brexit will be and how they will be to deal with it. It is different than a supplier. They are looking at catching fish. I was wondering, if they step up to the mark or if there is an increased demand, whether funding will be an issue at the end of the year.

In the EU receipts for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, EMFF, there is a reduction of €8.7 million for next year. There is also a reduction of €0.5 million in the European Fisheries Fund, EFF. I wonder what these are for.