Written answers

Thursday, 17 April 2008

Department of Agriculture and Food

Marine Fuel Costs

5:00 pm

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 408: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on establishing a task force to examine measures to address the crippling cost of fuel for fishermen; if her attention has been drawn to the other EU countries that are providing assistance to their fishermen with regard to the cost of fuel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13893/08]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The escalation of fuel costs, as a result of global economic and political conditions, remains a matter of concern for all sectors of industry. It is important to note that the fishing industry in Ireland already receives favourable treatment in the form of a full rebate on excise and VAT on marine fuel, if the enterprise concerned is registered for VAT. Fuel subsidies, in terms of operating aid for fishing vessels, are not permitted under EU State Aid rules and any such measures introduced by EU Member States would be in breach of EU law and subject to Infringement proceedings in the European Court of Justice.

It is understood that previous measures taken by France in relation to support to offset the difficulties faced by its industry arising from high fuel prices are the subject of infringement proceedings in the European Court. Within the EU State Aid rules and the funding available to each, it is a matter for each Member State to put in place measures to support and develop the fishing industry. I understand that the main measures now being put in place by France include a tax on fishery products at the market place to fund the development and restructuring plan for the fishing sector.

I believe that the most critical element in addressing the impact of high fuel prices is to make the fleet more profitable. The Cawley Report, "Steering a New Course", a strategy for a restructured, sustainable and profitable Irish seafood industry (2007 — 2013), has set down a range of measures to deliver a more profitable fleet and I do not consider that a further examination of the issue is required. I am now focussing on delivering the Cawley Strategy.

The planned reduction in the size of the fishing fleet, through a decommissioning scheme which I launched in February, will increase the profitability of the vessels that continue to fish because they will be permitted to land higher quantities of quota stocks. Funding under the NDP will also focus on increasing returns to fishermen through maximising the value of seafood at every stage from the sea to the table.

I also consider that considerable research activity is required in order to identify the most fuel efficient equipment and practices and I will be pushing strongly for this area to be prioritised under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research (2007-2013). At present, Bord Iascaigh Mhara is making grant aid available to improve fuel efficiency on board fishing vessels. I will keep this scheme under review to ensure that it covers best practice in the context of available research in the area.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.