Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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467. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a funding support scheme will be considered for the remaining draft and snap net salmon fishermen affected by the ongoing cessation of fishing activities; if an application for European maritime and fisheries funding from the European Commission will be made to compensate the fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26470/18]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a Government decision in 2006 to cease the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery for conservation reasons. Under this scheme, €25 million was targeted at commercial salmon fishermen, who were active in the fishery at the time, and funding was provided to fishermen for them to permanently cease fishing and diversify into new activity. In addition, €5 million was provided for community based initiatives in areas affected by the cessation of fishing. It closed for applications on 31st December 2007 and was ceased, with all funds expended, in 2008. There are currently no plans to revisit such a scheme. My officials have engaged with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine who are the National competent authority for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and with the European Commission. I understand that any support schemes aimed at cessation of fisheries are not eligible under EMFF.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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468. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the proposed compensation fund for former eel fishermen will reflect Ireland's status as effectively a conservation ground for eels in the EU following the ban introduced here in 2010. [26486/18]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP), including the closure of commercial fishing, was approved, in 2009, by the European Commission under EU Regulation 1100/2007. Fishing for eel was by way of public licence and therefore the issue of compensation does not arise. However, I directed my officials to engage with the European Commission in relation to Ireland's proposals to fund a support scheme for former eel fishermen. The outcome of that engagement confirmed that funding for the proposed measure is not eligible for support under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. However both Minister Naughten and I have secured Exchequer funding to support the measure and our position that this does not constitute State Aid has been confirmed to the Commission. Consultation with the Revenue Commissioners is at an advanced stage.

Until consultations are completed, it is not possible to elaborate on the terms and conditions for, or the prospective number of participants in, any potential support measure.