Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is envisaged that seafood processors will be eligible for compensation via the wild salmon community support scheme; and if so, the way they should apply. [16790/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Community Support Scheme, amounting to €5 million, details of which were published on 7 March 2008 and can be viewed on the Department's website, will be made available to those affected by the cessation of the mixed stock salmon fishery.

The Scheme is directed 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 the economic and social fabric. It will focus on retraining of the affected labour force, diversification into non-salmon fishing activity and projects to promote the quality of the local environment.

The scheme is to be administered in 16 fishery districts through 15 LEADER companies and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, in respect of island communities and Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta, in respect of the Gaeltacht areas.