Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The grant aid is given out on the basis of two criteria. We are trying to modernise processing in Ireland to make it more efficient and competitive in order that we can process more fish here and land more fish caught by Irish trawlers and foreign trawlers. These changes are taking place and are evidenced by the increasing export figures.

We are also looking to invest in facilitating the sector that is adding more value to product. This is why I propose to increase the maximum grant rate available under the seafood processing business investment scheme in 2013 from the previous 25% of money spent up to 30%. At the same time, I propose to reduce the grant available to investments in primary processing facilities from the previous 25% to 20%. We are trying to prioritise money into the added-value sector because that is where the jobs are. This will enable us not only to process more seafood product but to add more value to it. This is what we are trying to do in the beef and dairy sectors as well as all the other food sectors and I trust Deputy Pringle will welcome it.

It is difficult to put an exact scheme together based on the number of jobs to be created. From an employment point of view, our figures in terms of growth in Killybegs and elsewhere are based on the projection of the increased number of jobs attached to the investments concerned. That is the only way one can take the matter forward.

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