Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will honour the commitments made in the Crawley Report; if funding for the operational programme will be made available in 2010. [40830/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Cawley report, Steering A New Course, is the national strategic blueprint for the Irish fishing industry and the wider seafood sector. Progress has been made on a number of fronts, including a substantial decommissioning scheme, which was a key recommendations of the Cawley report and has been completed. This scheme was funded from the EU Co-funded Operational Programme 2007-13 which was approved by the EU Commission on 9 September 2008. Bord Iascaigh Mhara is the implementing authority for this operational programme, which covers decommissioning of fishing vessels, environmental and inshore management and sustainable development of coastal fisheries. The adoption of the National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-13, which covers a number of other priority areas including seafood processing and aquaculture development, has been delayed arising from concerns relating to environmental compliance raised by the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Central Fisheries Board, during the public consultation process. I am working to address these concerns with a view to the early adoption of this Operational Programme. The implementation of certain strategies contained in the Cawley strategy involves funding support for the sector. The rate of progress in these areas will depend on the availability of funds and the adoption of the National Seafood Development Operational Programme. However, many of the recommendations involve improved practices, improved organisation and better co-ordination and co-operation and do not depend on public funds. I will continue to work closely with all parties to drive the process forward to deliver on and further develop the strategic change necessary to support Ireland's fishing industry. The quantum of funding for 2010 will not be known until after budget 2010 has been announced by the Minister for Finance. I am committed to ensuring that available support is targeted on priority areas for the sector identified by the Cawley strategy.