Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

72. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the European Fisheries Fund, or its successor, the European Maritime Fisheries Fund, provide funding support for fishermen, who are no longer involved in fishing, to retrain in an alternative maritime activity; specifically in respect of a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6166/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Seafood Development Programme 2007-2013 under the European Fisheries Fund (1198/2006) is providing funding to Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) to in turn aid projects that support the development and diversification of the economy in coastal communities. Support is potentially available from the six FLAGs for fishermen who are no longer involved in fishing to retrain in an alternative maritime activity. I understand from Bord Iascaigh Mhara that the person named has already availed of such supports from FLAG South East for two training courses to assist him in finding employment in the offshore sector.

I am presently finalising a new Seafood Development Programme under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and I expect to launch a €241 million Programme later this year, after it is adopted by the Commission. I will be publishing a detailed consultation document and Strategic Environmental Assessment for public consultation in the next month or so, with a view to submitting the new Programme to the Commission by May this year. I will welcome all views during that consultation on the extent to which the Programme should in the future assist with matters such as the training referred to by the Deputy.