Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 462: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify the position regarding the operation of the decommissioning scheme as it applies to the fisheries sector; the obligations on approved applicants under the scheme regarding the actual decommissioning of the vessels and if this has to be financed by the applicant from the compensation package offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25262/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The most recent decommissioning of fishing vessels scheme was administered by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and the closing date for applications was 30th April 2008, with monies paid out in two tranches in 2008 and 2009. There are no specific plans for a new decommissioning scheme, at this stage.

In respect of the actual decommissioning of vessels, the obligations on approved applicants under the 2008 Whitefish Decommissioning Scheme were set out in section 38 of the published brochure accompanying the scheme, as follows:

"Successful applicants, who have accepted an offer of grant aid and received payment of 50% of the total grant aid, must permanently dispose of/scrap the vessel in a manner agreed with the implementing authority.

In every case:

The applicant must receive written approval of their proposed method of scrapping and the disposal of the residue of such scrapping.

The applicant must notify BIM, in writing, of the intended date and place of scrapping at least 21 calendar days prior to the scrapping of the vessel.

The vessel must be disposed of/scrapped and the residue disposed of in conformity with the method proposed by the applicant and approved by BIM (details of the yards currently registered with BIM can be had by contacting BIM).

The applicant must furnish a declaration, signed by an officer authorised by BIM, that the vessel has been scrapped in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the letter of offer issued in respect of this scheme."

In respect of the cost (financing) of decommissioning, the obligations on approved applicants under the 2008 Whitefish Decommissioning Scheme was set out in section 40 of the published brochure accompanying the scheme, as follows:

"All costs associated with the scrapping of vessels and the disposal of the residue of such scrapping shall be borne by the applicant or their agents."