Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the commitment he is giving to marine, aquaculture or inshore funding as contained in the new round of partnership funding in coastal communities in view of the recent ban on salmon drift net fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9019/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I presume the Deputy is referring to the Community Support Scheme which is available to those affected by the cessation of the mixed stock salmon fishery through the Leader companies, Comhdháil Oileain na hÉireann, in respect of island communities and Meitheal Forbhartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta in respect of the Gaeltacht areas.

This scheme is directed at the development of additional economic opportunities for crews and employees in the processing and ancillary sectors in those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric of the area (for example, Gaeltacht areas). Those eligible under the scheme would especially include those affected by the cessation of the mixed stock salmon fishery and those formerly involved in the commercial salmon fishing drift-netting sector, or alternatively, where a promoter proposes to employ a significant number of people formerly engaged in commercial drift-netting.

As already mentioned, the scheme is being administered by the Leader companies under the supervision of the Department in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Proposals including those which address the retraining of the affected labour force, diversification into non-salmon fishing activity, education and employment preparation and projects to promote the quality of the local environment will be eligible for funding, the closing date for receipt of which by the Leader companies is 31 March 2009. Funding relating to marine, aquaculture or inshore matters is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.