Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details in relation to the administration of Axis 4 in Ireland's proposed operational programme for the delivery of the European Fisheries Fund; his views on whether Axis 4 would be of significant benefit to the development of coastal communities under his Department's remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18977/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The draft Operational Programme (O.P) for Fisheries for Ireland, submitted to the Commission envisages the use of EU funds under the European Fisheries Fund to support decommissioning of fishing vessels, aquaculture development and environmental/ inshore fisheries support, specifically a small number of Co-Financed measures under the pillars of axis 1, 2 and 3. There was no provision in the O.P submitted, for measures under axis 4.

However, as outlined in the National Strategic Plan for the Fisheries Sector (2007-2013), measures under Axis 4 are planned as Non-Co Financed (ie State aided). These predominantly socio-economic sustainability measures will be implemented by BIM with the assistance of local development networks such as Leader. I am fully committed to the introduction these measures, the benefit of which will be of great import to Coastal Communities. BIM have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the measures and are consulting with LEADER with a view to putting in place the best possible delivery mechanisms to ensure that the coastal communities dependent on fishing are given the best support.