Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to deliver sustainable fishing and development of the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32943/06]

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. I introduced, in June of this year, a number of support schemes, which will provide financial support to the industry in the short-term. These schemes are:

the second round of the decommissioning scheme for the whitefish vessels

grants for young skippers and

aid for energy efficient fishing gear.

In June 2006 agreement was reached on the European Fisheries Fund that will apply over the period 2007-2013. This new Fund that contains a range of measures and initiatives will prove particularly relevant for the Irish Seafood Sector in the years ahead.

Also in June 2006, I appointed an independent Seafood Strategy Review Group to devise a strategy for a sustainable and profitable Irish Seafood industry over the period 2007-2013. Regional meetings with key stakeholders have taken place at a number of locations around the country. This strategy is to be completed over the coming weeks, so as to feed into the new National Development Plan, which the Government is drawing up for the 2007-2013 period. I believe that this strategy, along with the new National Development Plan, will provide for a sustainable and viable industry into the future.