Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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227. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeline for the opening of applications in relation to the eel fisherman hardship scheme. [28099/18]

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.  Once completed it is intended to publish the relevant details in the coming weeks