Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 673: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm when the €10 million promised to help the communities most affected by the drift netting ban will be allocated to the people most affected to help them to help themselves through job creation and other opportunities in their localities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30904/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Officials from my Department and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA) are putting in place arrangements for the management of the €5 million community support scheme agreed by Government. The focus of the scheme will primarily 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.

I am advised that details of the scheme are being finalised with a view to allocating the available funds to those affected fishery districts, proportionate to the impact of cessation of mixed stock fishing. Consultations with the LEADER companies, conducted through DCRGA, will inform the most effective distribution of funds. Details of the scheme will be published through the LEADER companies.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 674: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had contact with a person (details supplied) since the drift netting ban was introduced; if so, if they are willing to match Government funding to the drift net fishermen as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30906/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Neither I nor my predecessor has had any contact with, or received any communication from the person to whom the Deputy refers since the end of 2006.