Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 431: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to amend the fishing vessels decommissioning scheme to include bi-valve vessels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11694/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As you know the Government launched in January, the strategic report of the Seafood Strategy Review Group (SSRG) on the seafood industry, 'Steering A New Course'. The report, which took on board the views of fishermen, fish farmers, processors, marketers and other stakeholders, focuses on ten core themes and outlines specific actions to be taken in order to achieve a sustainable seafood industry. The strategy is based on a comprehensive review carried out by 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 range of issues and challenges facing the Seafood Industry.

The SSRG report specifically states that the introduction of a decommissioning scheme for vessels in the Specific Segment of the fleet is not warranted, vessels in this segment of the fleet are limited to targeting bivalve molluscs. Based on this recommendation, I do not see scope for the introduction of a decommissioning scheme for this part of the fishing fleet.