Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if funding is available for crew members of decommissioned boats who would like to return to educational courses as stated in the Cawley report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15798/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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All fishermen are eligible to undertake Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) training programmes including those serving on vessels that are decommissioning. In this regard, BIM and FÁS have agreed to co-operate to provide training for fishing vessel crew members that find themselves without a job when their fishing vessel is decommissioned. Both agencies will work closely together to provide retraining, up-skilling or diversification opportunities in the seafood industry or elsewhere in the economy as required.

In addition, funding will be provided within BIM's overall programmes to support the sustainable development and improvement of the quality of life in fisheries areas as part of an overall strategy that will support the implementation of the objectives of the common fisheries policy, in particular taking account of its socio-economic effects.