John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 530: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of funding he will provide to increase the hardship fund proposed for salmon fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14938/07]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 554: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has requested other Government Departments to provide additional funding for the proposed hardship fund for salmon fishermen; the amount of such funding that will be provided by other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14928/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 554 together.

The Salmon Hardship Scheme of some €25 million, details of 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. The overall sum takes account of the levels of payment recommended by the Independent Group and the recorded catch history of the eligible licences.

An additional €5 million is being provided under a Community Support Scheme. Officials in the Department and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are examining how to maximise the impact of this scheme prior to finalisation and publication in the coming weeks.

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