Written answers
Tuesday, 22 September 2015
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Salmon Hardship Scheme
Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1531. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider a voluntary buy-out scheme for snap-net fishermen on the Rivers Barrow, Nore, Suir, and Slaney if the fishermen were prepared to relinquish their licences in favour of compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30493/15]
Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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The Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a Government decision in 2006 to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery. Under the scheme fishermen active in the commercial snap net sector could opt to voluntarily cease fishing and undertake not to seek a licence in the future.
In excess of €25m was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen with a further €5m provided for community development projects. Payments to individuals were based on verifiable track record and recorded catches in the five years prior to its introduction.
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.
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