Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the national lobster V-notching programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25499/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The national lobster v-notching scheme has been operated every year by BIM since 1994 with great support from the indoor catching sector. The scheme is in included in the EU co-funded National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-13. I expect to be in a position to formally launch the 2009 scheme shortly. Taking into account that the traditional lobster season has already started, BIM intend that lobsters set aside for v-notching from the start of the season in May will be included under the new scheme.