John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, with regard to the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group which will be tasked with developing and overseeing the National Seafood Strategy, the said group is currently in place; the timeframe in place for the development of the strategy; the approximate timeframe with regard to the fleet decommissioning of €66 million promised in the strategy for the implementation of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11410/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Following the publication of the report Steering a New Course, a strategy for a restructured, sustainable and profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-13, I established the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG) to oversee that the strategy recommendations are implemented in a coordinated and cohesive manner. Chaired by Dr. Noel Cawley, and consisting of representatives from the various sectors of the industry, the Department and relevant State Agencies, the SSIG has been tasked with developing a detailed implementation plan, overseeing the delivery of the plan and monitoring and reporting to me on the progress of the implementation of the plan. A timescale of two years has been set for this work. The first meeting of the SSIG is scheduled to take place on 28 March.

It is anticipated that funding under the new Seafood Development Programme (part of the NDP 2007-13), which will include a scheme to decommission fishing vessels, will be available in quarter 3 of this year following the necessary EU approvals. In the interim, considerable work is required by all stakeholders to ensure full spend is achieved under the EU funding allocation for 2000-2006.