Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plan to protect, support and promote the fishing industry with particular reference to the needs of fishing dependant families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44307/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A strategic blueprint to develop the fisheries sector into the 21ST century is contained in the report of the Seafood Strategy Review Group "Steering a New Course" (The Cawley Report).

One of the key recommendations of the Cawley Report was for the introduction of a sea fishing boat decommissioning scheme. To date a total of 45 vessels have accepted offers with one further vessel having until the 19th December to make a final decision. €21m will be spent in 2008 with an estimated further €16m to be spent in 2009. A significant economic benefit currently estimated at some €22m will accrue to the remainder of the fleet from the redistribution of the prawn and whitefish catch previously taken by the decommissioned vessels.

My Department will provide substantial grant aid support of €118 million for the seafood industry for 2009 and this will provide for significant investment for the Seafood Processing sector, Aquaculture Development, Socio-economic programmes for coastal communities, environmental initiatives, supporting quality initiatives/safety schemes and training. Other areas to be supported include marketing and innovation. Bord Iascaigh Mhara the main development agency has been allocated €44.5 million to support its activities in 2009 and will remain the main driver for the implementation of the Cawley report recommendations.

My Department will also provide considerable funding for marine research. The Marine Institute has been allocated €29.5m in 2009 to support its activities. The Marine Institute is charged with managing and implementing "Sea Change" which is a marine knowledge, research and innovation strategy for Ireland (2007-2013). Implementation of this strategy is well advanced. Sea Change incorporates applied and basic research programmes aimed at increasing industry competitiveness, building new research capacity and addressing policy issues.

I established the Irish Sea Fisheries Research Partnership (ISFRP) (chaired by Peter Heffernan, CEO of MI), by which Marine Institute and industry will discuss and collaborate on the range of fisheries science research activities carried out by Marine Institute. The Irish Sea Fisheries Research Partnership promotes synergy and mutual understanding on fishing science research priorities which are beneficial to the long term future of the Irish fishing industry

Looking to the medium to long term, the review of the Common Fisheries Policy will be a high priority for all engaged in the fishing sector. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union which was first put in place in 1983 and has been subject to 10 yearly reviews, the most recent in 2002 and the next formally provided for in 2012. It has been acknowledged across EU Member States that further reform of the CFP is necessary. Discussions have begun with the European Commission and we will continue to be active in our attempts to shape the direction of this review. We wish to provide for and promote the interests of our seafood sector, which are very important to the protection of the livelihoods of our coastal communities.