John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there are plans to draw up a strategic plan for the Irish fishing fleet; if, in view of events such as the recent €45 million spent on decommissioning whitefish vessels just ten years after the State began spending €100 million on renewing the whitefish fleet, there is a need for a strategic plan for the industry; his plans to meet fishing body representatives to discuss future plans for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13643/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is supporting the development of the seafood industry through a number of integrated schemes designed to secure a sustainable future for the industry under the aegis of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

The two successful fleet renewal programmes and the recent introduction of a decommissioning scheme with a budget of €45 million over the next two years will together deliver the necessary restructuring, renewal and modernisation of the fishing fleet, which is designed to bring a modern, safe and efficient fleet into balance with the available fishing opportunities.

The scope for the continued further development of the industry will be determined in the context of the next national plan for the period 2007-2013. In this regard, extensive discussions have already been held at EU level regarding a new European fisheries fund to apply over the period 2007-2013. The terms of the new European fisheries fund have not yet been agreed at EU level. The proposal is the main item on the Fisheries Council planned for 25 April 2006.

The Minister, Deputy Dempsey, and I will meet the fishing industry representatives in the near future to commence the process of developing a strategy for the fishing industry that will provide for a long-term sustainable future for the fishing industry and support the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on fishing.