Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 556: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to ensure the full potential of each of the fisheries harbours here to be a unique and internationally recognised brand by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, working with the fisherman's co-operatives, developing branded seafood products from those ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28611/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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BIM is currently actively engaging with co-operatives from the main Fishery Harbours and has put in place a comprehensive programme of work for 2008 including: Seafood quality training for both co-op staff and members and key market analysis. The introduction of environment management systems is central to the introduction of key new brands.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 557: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to complete the work of fleet restructuring, to create a world class fleet ideally suited to the stocks, species and sustainable practices of the modern fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28612/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A scheme to decommission vessels greater than 18 meters in length has been drawn up and published earlier this year. On 23rd June 2008, I announced grant aid totalling €41.1m to decommission 46 fishing vessels under the 2008 fishing vessel decommissioning scheme. I am confident that this large scale decommissioning of older whitefish trawlers will, in line with Governments strategy for the development of the industry, lead to significant improvements in the viability of the remaining fleet.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to provide ongoing investment in fleet safety, diversification into shore fishing activity, and marine tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28613/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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BIM delivers grant aid schemes for fleet safety and diversification as well as support for the inshore sector. These schemes will continue to be available to fishermen.

BIM is responsible for the provision of seafood industry training in Ireland. Training is delivered at BIM's National Fisheries College (NFC), Greencastle, Co. Donegal, the Regional Fisheries Centre (RFC) Castletownbere, Co. Cork, through BIM's two mobile Coastal Training Units (CTUs), at Head Office and at other coastal locations. Safety training is provided on an ongoing basis around the coast.

As significant restructuring of the fishing industry is envisaged over the next seven years, those individuals wishing to exit the industry will be helped to access education and training programmes to support diversification into other areas of activity through Leader type programmes.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to improve the marine environment by implementing environmental and inshore management systems and supporting efficient waste management, environmentally friendly fishing gear and technical innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28614/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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BIM, Marine Institute and Udarás na Gaeltachta adhere to a policy of grant aiding investment to improve our marine environment. Examples include the Beaufort Awards in conjunction with the Marine Institute which fund research on ecosystem management, and a number of projects which are being implemented under the Science/ Industry partnership focusing on the reduction of discards in fisheries.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 560: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to support the economic and social development of maritime communities through the provision of training and upgrading of existing skill levels, developing of infrastructure and support for innovation and product development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28615/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently a number of initiatives being pursued by BIM and Údarás na Gaeltachta aimed at enhancing the supply chain both at onboard level and in auction centres. BIM is delivering training at its training centres to upgrade skill levels of fishermen.The National Strategic Plan sets out a number of avenues to support economic and social development of maritime communities including:

Diversification into complementary activities such as tourism;

Increased on shore complementary fisheries related activity;

Greater participation by women in business activities in these communities;

Local Leader type groups established in coastal communities to promote and deliver local plans.