Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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837. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of pre-financing by programme his Department has applied for with regard to the current phase of EU funding programmes; the amount that is likely to be reimbursed to the European Commission; the reasons this money will be reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20576/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme (2014 – 2020) was adopted on 4 December 2015 by the European Commission. The Operational Programme is the vehicle for channelling financial aid co-funded by the Exchequer and the EU to the seafood sector. This aid is intended to assist Ireland in implementing the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the Integrated Maritime Policy, and also the Habitats, Birds and Marine Strategy Framework Directives. It is also intended to support the seafood sector in implementing the EU 2020 Strategy.

The Operational Programme will support Ireland in implementing its obligations under the EU Data Collection Framework which provides the data to inform fisheries management at EU and National level. It will support Ireland in implementing its control and enforcement obligations under the CFP and Control Regulation, which in turn underpin the good management of fisheries in Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Area.

In respect of the Department of Defence, the Operational Programme provides for funding of €18.5 million, of which €12million is EU funding, for the replacement and upgrade of ships and aircraft, for undertaking Specific Control Inspection Programmes and for other control priorities. In addition the programme provides for shared funding with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of €5.5 million, of which €4.95 million is EU funded, for the renewal of technologies as well as for training and compliance promotion.