Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 1614: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the implementation of the recommendation contained in the Report of the Seafood Industry Strategy Review Group to bring in a fisherman's tax free allowance that could also be availed of by crew members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30875/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-13 (the Cawley Report (recommendation 7.7)) recognised that the extension of the Seafarers Tax Free Allowance already granted to Irish merchant seamen would be an incentive for crew retention.

Under current legislation fishing vessels are not considered seagoing ships for the purposes of the scheme. The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has brought forward proposals in this regard and I have undertaken on their behalf to bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Finance. Any change in legislation is a matter for the Minister for Finance and would have to be provided for in the Budget and the 2009 Finance Act.