Ms Sinéad McSherry:

This is an issue that was raised by the inshore fishers earlier in the year. We did engage with the Department of Social Protection on what was available to fishers. Many fishers compared such support from the Department with farm assist. What we have been advised is that there is a programme called fish assist that is available to self-employed fishers on low incomes under the means-tested jobseeker's allowance scheme. It is based on the conditions of the farm assist scheme. This information was supplied to me by the Department of Social Protection.

One of the key differences applying to the self-employed fishers is the favourable treatment of income through additional disregards. Under that scheme, gross income derived from self-employment is assessed at 70% and there are additional disregards in respect of dependent children. In addition, there are secondary benefits such as the fuel allowance that may be payable from the start of the claim. Again, that is subject to the relevant conditions. That is for the self-employed.

In addition, persons engaged in share fishing may also be eligible for jobseeker's benefit, depending on the circumstances. Again, that will depend on the class of PRSI. Additional needs payments are also available to cover essential expenses. The Department of Social Protection has recommended that any of the fishers in those circumstances should come to their Intreo office and engage with them. However, I think a scheme similar to farm assist is the direction in which the Deputy was going and there is a scheme called fish assist.