Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1457: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is a plan to assist fishermen to diversify into projects other than salmon fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1881/08]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1458: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures of additional compensation/seed capital fund/venture capital fund that was announced for drift and draft net fishermen at the time of the drift and draft net ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1883/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1457 and 1458 together.

The Community Support Scheme, recommended by the Report of the Independent Group, has been drafted to focus primarily on those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric, for example, Gaeltacht areas.

The scheme is to be administered by the LEADER companies under the supervision of my Department in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA). Details of the scheme will be announced shortly. Available funds will be allocated to those affected fishery districts, proportionate to the impact of the cessation of the mixed stock fishery. Consultations with the LEADER companies, conducted through DCRGA, also informed the most effective distribution of funds.