Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when grant aid programmes for aquaculture, processing and fisheries will be open to the industry to apply; when these programmes will be advertised welcoming applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18787/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Grant aid schemes for aquaculture and processing measures under the European Fisheries Fund Regulation 2007–2013 will be launched as soon as the relevant approvals are in place. For measures being partly supported with EU aid, the Commission must approve the national Operational Programme for Fisheries. The Operational Programme (O.P) for Fisheries for Ireland has been submitted to the Commission and is currently is subject to the formal process of negotiation. Schemes supported solely with national funds (including seafood processing and some aquaculture schemes) are currently being evaluated as required under the EU Strategic Environmental Directive. The schemes are planned to be launched in the autumn.