Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if funding will be provided to bring the mussel boats at Cromane, County Kerry up to an acceptable standard necessary to operate in the safety of smooth shallow waters such as Castle Maine Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16718/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The type of support to which the Deputy refers would come under the category of funding for the Renewal of Fishing Vessels. Current EU policy precludes the payment of grant aid towards renewal of all categories of fishing vessels. Accordingly, the payment of this type of grant aid to mussel boats is not permitted.

However, a grant aid scheme to support the purchase of safety equipment for fishing vessels is currently being administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara. This grant scheme covers 40% of the cost of equipment, includes lifesaving, fire fighting, navigational and occupational safety equipment. Details of this grant scheme is available from BIM and can be downloaded together with application forms from the BIM website at www.bim.ie.