Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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224. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on reopening the compensation scheme for drift-net salmon fishermen, who did not avail of the scheme when it was in operation, in view of the fact that only a very small number of persons are involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22791/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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The Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a decision in 2006 to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery in the sea.

In excess of €25m was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen with a further €5m provided for community development projects. Under the scheme fishermen active in the fishery could opt to voluntarily cease fishing in the commercial drift net and draft net sectors and undertake not to seek a licence in the future.

Payments to individuals were based on verifiable track record and recorded catches in the five years prior to its introduction. I am advised that the average payment under the scheme was almost €23,000 and the highest payment was over €195,000.

The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and ceased in 2008 and I understand that all funds were expended and there are currently no plans to revisit such a scheme.