Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for funding Leader companies under his Department's new scheme; the criteria for drawing down funding; the way the scheme will benefit coastal community groups; the way this scheme will directly benefit fishermen who have signed up to the hardship scheme following the banning of drift net fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5764/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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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). 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. The scheme will operate over two years (2008-2009). The Scheme is not directed at commercial licence holders who have already availed of payments from the Salmon Hardship Fund but rather at the development of additional economic opportunities for crews and employees in the processing and ancillary sectors in the above mentioned communities. Full details of the scheme will be published shortly.