Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a fisherman's group in west Cork (details supplied) has been unsuccessful in a number of grant applications in recent times; the way this situation can be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49556/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand that Cumann Iascaigh Chleire has applied to an Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) for assistance under the Seafood Environmental Management Scheme (SEMS). The SEMS provides financial assistance, co-funded by the European Fisheries Fund, to recognised groups of fishing vessel owners/operators or organisations acting on their behalf, for the implementation and certification costs involved in achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries.

I am advised by BIM that the application documentation was incomplete and was returned to the Cumann with a request to provide the outstanding documentation. BIM’s Regional Officer Network is available to mentor the seafood industry in the grant application process. I am informed that the Cumann is now actively liaising with BIM’s regional fisheries officer in the South West in relation to progressing its SEMS application.