Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if boats that currently fish for shellfish will be covered under the recent decommissioning scheme announced, in order that older vessels can be replaced by newer and safer ones that will be covered by certificates of compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5313/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As things stand the next scheduled round of decommissioning will take place within the context of the strategic report on the fishing industry, Steering A New Course. This report calls for a decommissioning scheme aimed at the Whitefish Fleet and recommends the removal of up to 45% of the capacity of the whitefish fleet 18 metres in length and over. €66 million is earmarked by Government for this scheme. It will be part funded under the European Fisheries Fund 2007-2013.

The strategic report recognises the need for a targeted decommissioning scheme for vessels less than 18 metres in length and recommends that a comprehensive analysis be conducted, in advance, to determine the eligibility, urgency, scope and cost of such a scheme. The Implementation Group under Dr. Cawley will ensure that the necessary analysis is conducted in this area and findings and recommendations will be issued in due course.