Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 318: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which families involved in the fishing industry here have declined in the past five years; the expected projections in this regard in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13278/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Total full-time and part-time employment in the Irish Fishing Industry (incl Fisheries, Aquaculture, Processing and Ancillary activities) was 14,812 and 10,975 in the years 2000 and 2006 respectively.

The report of the Seafood Strategy Review Group Steering a New Course (The Cawley Report) includes a number of recommendations focusing specifically on enhancing the value and quality of Irish seafood generally, as well as a number focusing on providing training opportunities.

Successful implementation of these recommendations is expected to enhance the income generation potential of those involved in the fishing industry, in addition to opening new opportunities for those wishing to enter, or diversify into the seafood sector generally.