Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 392: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the efforts he has made to find alternative sources of income for decommissioned salmon fishermen in Ballydavid, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40228/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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While meeting Ireland's obligations to protect wild salmon stocks, the Government sought to mitigate the impact on individuals' incomes. The Government's €25m Salmon Hardship Scheme provided, since its introduction in 2007, a measure of relief to affected individuals on foot of the cessation of the mixed stock fishery. The scheme was administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and the Fisheries Boards, on behalf of the Department.

An additional €5 million was provided for a Community Support Scheme, the focus of which was primarily on those communities where commercial salmon fishing was a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacted on the economic and social fabric of the area. Initiatives which were considered for funding included retention of the labour force previously employed in the fishery, diversification into non-salmon fishing activity and projects to promote the quality of the local environment.

The scheme is administered by Meitheal Forbatha na Gaeltachta Teo through the Kerry Fishery District, which includes Baile Dháith.

Inshore fishermen who traditionally fished for salmon during the summer season may have diverted their efforts to other fishery activity supported by BIM, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.