Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will review the level of funding allocated under the recent hardship scheme for salmon fishermen and the €5 million level of funding designated for the general coastal communities support; his views on extending the deadline for applications for the scheme beyond 31 March 2007; if he has had contacts with the representatives of the salmon driftnet fishermen who have indicated that they intend to defy the introduction of the salmon single stock management regime in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11349/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Salmon Hardship Scheme of some €25 million which I published recently is intended to provide a measure of relief to individuals in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced based on their recent catch history.

Payments under the scheme are based on the average verifiable catch and on the average net income per salmon in the commercial fishery for the five years, 2001 to 2005. This income calculation is based on the average price obtained per fish each year less the costs incurred by fishermen.

Each individual licence holder who applies to the fund is set to receive six times their average catch multiplied by the average net income per salmon. An additional payment equal to six times the current licence fee will be made in all cases.

An additional €5 million is being provided for the Community Support Scheme, details of which are being finalised at present with a view to publication in the coming weeks.

Both of these figures were recommended by the Independent Group set up to determine and address the hardship likely to be experienced as a result of the Government's decision to align the wild salmon fishery with scientific advice from 2007 onwards.

I believe the overall fund of some €30 million to be a fair and reasonable allocation which does not need to be modified.

The closing date for receipt of applications to the €25 million Salmon Hardship Scheme is the 30th March 2007. However, I am advised that applicants will have until the 31st December 2007 to accept any offer under the scheme, which I believe provides ample time for those concerned to give the scheme due consideration.

While I have not received any direct correspondence stating that driftnet fishermen intend to fish illegally, I am aware of such reports in the media, as are officials from the Regional Fisheries Boards. In addition to their normal activities I am in the process of securing additional resources for the regional boards to enhance their protection and enforcement activities on foot of the significant changes being made to the salmon management regime. Anyone found fishing illegally for salmon will be dealt with to the fullest extent possible under the law.