Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understood from the Minister's initial reply that a PO could get it while developing the programme and trying to achieve recognition. It could then get a second grant for implementation. I believe he stated that the organisation we are referring to did not apply for it for the first part, so it has developed a programme and achieved recognition. Presumably it has a PMP, so we know the costings. There is precedent across the State system of upfront payments being made to allow new groups to get off the ground. I sincerely ask the Minister to include this organisation.

I believe he mentioned a figure of €100,000, but we are only discussing 50% of that - €50,000 - and it would only apply to new groups, of which he said there was only one. Therefore, this would not be a case of "Open Sesame" that would bust the Department. Single farm payments and all the other payments being made by the Department dwarf this.

The Minister referred to the monitoring committee, but it comprises those who are already in the tent. There is an awful habit in this country of groups pulling up the drawbridge once they have gone inside. He has to consider the wider interest. I beg him to consider this very small concession. It could be included in the plan and there would not be a large stream of new fish POs.

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