Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the recently published new seafood sector strategy, Steering a New Course; the amount of Government investment in the seafood sector that has been agreed to until 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5260/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The strategy Steering a New Course, Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013, sets out a visionary road map towards achieving an Irish seafood sector that is sustainable, profitable, and most of all, truly competitive and market-focused.

The strategy is based on a comprehensive report carried out by a review group made up of three eminent experts, Dr. Noel Cawley, Mr. Ruan O'Bric and Mr. Joey Murrin, appointed in June 2006. Their report was independently drawn up following very extensive consultation with all stakeholders and analysis of the wide ranges issues and challenges facing the Seafood Industry. Seafood Development will benefit from an investment of €216 million under the new National Development Plan (NDP). A further €118 million may be made available over the life of the plan depending on the willingness of the sector to undertake and cooperate with, in a verified manner, changes in the industry.

The Irish seafood industry is critical for the sustainable economic and social development of coastal communities, right around the coast and further development of these marine industries is critical to the future prosperity of these areas. There is buoyant demand for seafood both domestically and in key export markets and, as the report strongly recommends, capturing this clear and growing economic and market opportunity is the key for all development activity within the Industry.

An Implementation Group chaired by Dr. Noel Cawley and made up of representatives from each of the catching, aquaculture and processing/marketing sectors, as well as the Department's Seafood Policy Divisions and relevant State Agencies will be confirmed shortly.