Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the inshore fishing sector is no longer considered a viable source of income following the salmon drift net fishing ban, the alternatives that will be put in place for these fishermen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9016/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Support Scheme, recommended by the Report of the Independent Group, is not ordinarily directed at commercial salmon fishing licence holders (who have the opportunity to avail of payments from the Salmon Hardship Scheme) but rather at the development of additional economic opportunities for crews and employees in the processing and ancillary sectors in the communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on their economic and social fabric for example, Gaeltacht areas.

The scheme is to be administered by the LEADER companies under the supervision of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The coastal communities concerned will also benefit from schemes for the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture, which are being put in place in the line with the recommendations of the Cawley Report — Steering A New Course. These schemes are administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Údarás na Gaeltachta.