Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the European Maritime Fisheries Fund; if he will outline the measures available to support Irish fishermen through this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14726/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Commission published its proposals for a new financial instrument for the period 2014 – 2020, the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund, in December 2011. The fund will help to deliver the ambitious objectives of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and will assist fishermen in the transition towards sustainable fishing, as well as coastal communities in the diversification of their economies.

At the October 2012 Fisheries Council, the Cyprus Presidency secured agreement on a “partial” general approach on the financial instrument. The PECHE Committee of the EU Parliament is currently examining the Commission proposal and expects to adopt its position by the end of May. All the proposals are subject to negotiation and adoption through the co-decision process involving both the EU Fisheries Council and the EU Parliament. In light of the Parliaments timetable, it is now expected that trilogues with the Parliament and Commission will fall into the Lithuanian Presidency.

The new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund will be structured around 4 pillars, a) Smart, Green Fisheries, b) Smart, Green Aquaculture, c) Sustainable and Inclusive Territorial Development and d) Integrated Maritime Policy.

Of key importance to Ireland is a reasonable and fair share of the EMFF funding available. Ireland is supportive of the proposal in relation to the provision of funding for aquaculture, seafood processing, measures that support job creation and the rebuilding and conservation of stocks, including the implementation of the discards ban. Ireland welcomes the new elements proposed in the partial general approach including giving Member States the option of funding restructuring/decommissioning of the fishing fleet, engine replacement in limited circumstances and support for young fishermen.