Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 219: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the review of the €30 million hardship fund for commercial fishermen and others affected by the ban on commercial salmon fishing will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27961/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As previously stated, most recently in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 530 on 9 October 2007, the approach to determining the hardship payments is fair and reasonable and there are no plans to revise the scheme.

The €25m Salmon Hardship Scheme adopted by Government is intended to provide a measure of relief to individiuals 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 and the recorded catch history of the eligible licensees. An additional €5 million is being provided under a Community Support Scheme, the focus of which primarily will be those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric of the area.