Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her proposals for the decommissioning of one-third of the whitefish fleet; the estimated number of vessels to be scrapped and the expected job losses involved; the estimated cost of the decommissioning programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21802/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Scheme to Permanently Withdraw Capacity from the Whitefish Sector of the Irish Fishing Fleet will involve the decommissioning of 35% of the capacity of the whitefish fleet 18 metres in length and over. This scheme will see up to 11,000 gross tonnes removed from the fleet; the target recommended by the Seafood Industry Strategy Review Group (Recommendation 4.1). This will result in up to 70 whitefish vessels permanently leaving the fleet.

I met Mr Joe Borg, EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs last week to press for early EU State Aid approval for the planned scheme. To ensure maximum take-up an incentive premium and a selective reduction in the qualifying age of vessels will apply — but only for a defined time period.

The scheme, which will receive European Fisheries Fund support, will cost up to €58 million and is open to vessels owners in respect of fishing vessels that:

Are registered in the polyvalent or beam trawl segments of the Irish fleet.

Are operational at the time the decision is taken to grant the withdrawal premium.

Are 15 years or more in age at the time of application — reduced to 10 years in specific circumstances.

Are 18 metres or more in overall length.

Have carried out a fishing activity for a prescribed minimum number of days at sea in the two years preceding the 30th June 2007.

Up to 580 crew members will be potentially affected by this scheme. However, it is expected that many will find employment on other vessels that remain in the fleet.