Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way levels of output and employment in the Irish fisheries and seafood sector compare with other major European maritime nations such as Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, France and Holland over the past decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26641/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Employment in the Irish fisheries and seafood sector plays a significant role in regions where alternative employment opportunities are scarce. The number of people employed in the seafood sector covers the catching, aquaculture and processing sectors as well as ancillary industries such as marketing and distribution.

The European Commission's data available indicate that 421,318 people approximately are employed in the seafood sector across the 25 Member States. The figures used are indicative and data relate to different years and are outlined in the following table which also shows the numbers employed in the fisheries sector as a % of the total employment in each of these countries.

Previously, employment surveys were carried out by Member States on an ad hoc basis. As the definition of these surveys was not harmonised across Member States, direct comparison has been difficult in the past.

Under the provisions of the Data Collection Regulation Member States are now required, from 1 January 2004, to submit economic data including employment levels to the European Commission on an annual basis. Bord Iascaigh Mhara now has the responsibility to conduct these surveys in Ireland. This will enable more comparative analysis on employment levels in the sector to be carried out going forward.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he intends to introduce to tackle the major structural problems in the fishing sector, in view of the decrease in fleet size of 75 per cent in Dingle harbour in the past 20 years, and with similar decreases in other fishing ports; his views on whether measures are necessary to stabilise and maintain the fishing fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26625/06]

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.

Earlier this month agreement was reached on the European Fisheries Fund which will apply over the period 2007-2013. I believe that this new fund which contains a range of measures and initiatives will prove particularly relevant for the Irish Seafood Sector in the years ahead.

I have decided to introduce a number of support schemes that will provide financial support to the industry in the short-term. These schemes are the second round of the decommissioning scheme for whitefish vessels, grants for young skippers and aid for energy efficient fishing gear.

I also announced last week the decision to appoint a 3-man Strategy Group to lead a review of the seafood sector. This group will engage in consultations with all relevant stakeholders and regional meetings are planned for July. The Strategy will identify the necessary initiatives (and funding required) to ensure a sustainable knowledge based seafood sector in the long-term that maximises employment and economic activity in Ireland's communities dependent on seafood and related marine industries. The Strategy will feed into the National Development Plan that the Government is drawing up for 2007-2013.

I believe these schemes along with the Strategy for the seafood sector will provide for a sustainable and viable industry into the future.