Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 530: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review the level of payments offered to participants of the salmon hardship scheme; when such review will be complete; if he will increase the unreasonable and unacceptably low rate on offer presently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22870/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The €25m Salmon Hardship Scheme adopted by Government is intended to provide a measure of relief to individuals in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced on foot of the cessation of mixed stock fishing for wild salmon. The overall sum takes account of the levels of payment recommended by the Independent Group, based on the recorded catch history of the eligible licensees.

The approach to determining the hardship payments is fair and reasonable and there are no plans to revise the scheme.