Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an account of the accomplishments of the funding provided to communities through development agencies after the end of drift net salmon fishing; the reason that crew members from the affected boats were not directly compensated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20132/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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In 2007 following the alignment of the management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice ending the mixed stock fishery at sea, a Salmon Hardship Scheme was established to address any hardship experienced by affected commercial salmon licence holders. I understand that a Community Support Scheme was also provided, directed primarily on those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric, for example, Gaeltacht areas. Former crew members, as well as others, were eligible for this scheme. The scheme focussed on retraining of the affected labour force, diversification into non-salmon fishing activity and projects to promote the quality of the local environment.

The Community Support Scheme was administered through 14 LEADER companies and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann in respect of island communities and Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta, in respect of the Gaeltacht areas. The following table sets out the amounts allocated under the scheme to each LEADER Company.

I am advised that all projects have been completed in accordance with the criteria establishing the scheme.