Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

867. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will initiate a full and comprehensive review of the current allocation methodology for the Irish hook and line mackerel fishers that dates back to the finish of drift net fishing for salmon in 2006, given that he is empowered to so do under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, to address as a matter of urgency the clear, continuing and unjustifiable inequity which is at the core of the present Irish mackerel quota allocation arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16183/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

An allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels fishing for Mackerel by means of hooks and line, which is largely prosecuted by the inshore fleet including under 12 metre vessels, was set down in Policy in 2010. The then Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation, however this particular amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery.

In order to amend Mackerel Policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect of a policy, it would require due process, involving an assessment of all issues arising, including a full public consultation.

There has been, for the past 20 years or so, intensive competition within the industry for a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota to the UK by 2026. This will only increase demands for a higher share of Ireland’s Mackerel quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet. The Deputy should be aware that the 400 tonne limit for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced and has remained the same as in previous years.

Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase in the Mackerel quota for any sector in the allocation made available, such as for the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the TCA.

The management arrangements, within the policy, for the Mackerel hook and line fishery has been on the agenda and discussed with Industry representatives at recent meetings of the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC). It is important to note that the remit of the QMAC is to examine and make recommendations within Ministerial Policy. I have asked the QMAC to examine measures to strengthen the management arrangements for the 2022 Mackerel hook and line fishery, within the policy, for my consideration.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

868. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the recent intervention by the French Government of support equivalent to €0.35 per litre between now and the end of July 2022 to allow the French fishing fleet to continue fishing given the unprecedented fuel crisis; if he plans to re-examine supports that can be offered to the Irish fishing sector; the supports that may be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16274/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am acutely conscious of the impact on fishers of the significant increases in the price of marine diesel. I heard directly from representative groups at a meeting a fortnight ago about the impacts of the high fuel prices on the profitability of fishing. The Government is also very conscious of the impacts of high fuel costs on many other sectors of the economy.

On 23 March 2022, the European Commission published its ‘Temporary Crisis Framework for State Aid measures to support the economy following the aggression against Ukraine by Russia’. The purpose of the Temporary Crisis Framework is to specify the criteria for the assessment by the Commission of the compatibility with the internal market, of State Aid measures, that Member States may take to remedy the economic effects arising from the war and related market disruption. The Framework provides that the Commission will consider temporary limited amounts of aid to undertakings affected to be compatible with the internal market provided that certain conditions are met. A State Aid Notification is required for any measure proposed.

In relation to primary producers in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the Framework provides a State Aid basis for Member States to propose in a State Aid Notification a support scheme for undertakings affected, granting aid no later than 31 December 2022 and to a maximum of €35,000 per undertaking. Of course, such a scheme has to demonstrate that the aid proposed is proportionate to the impacts on the undertakings concerned.

Separately, on 25 March 2022, the European Commission adopted a Commission Decision under article 26 of the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund Regulation (2021/1139), recognising in accordance with that article the Ukraine war as an 'exceptional events causing a significant disruption of markets'. That Commission Decision facilitates Member States in using, if they so choose, article 26 as a basis to make available compensation under their EMFAF Programmes to operators in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors for their income foregone or additional costs related to the exceptional event, or alternatively to provide aid to producer organisations for storage aid, a market support mechanism that aids the freezing and cold storage of fish in periods of market turbulence and its subsequent release to the market when matters improve. Related to implementation of the article 26 measures, the Commission is presently preparing a working paper on methodologies to calculate income foregone and additional costs.

The Commission has also stated that it is examining a possible legislative proposal for an amendment of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Regulation (508/2014) to facilitate Member States in using remaining funds in their EMFF Programmes for the 2014-20 period for this same purpose.

I await the detail of the Commission working paper and possible proposals for EMFF amendment and will review the situation further at that point, with full regard to the trends in market prices for marine diesel.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

869. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the French EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16275/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule, including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The share out of TACs set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Ireland has history of fishing for stocks in the some of the stock areas that incorporates part of France’s EEZ and accordingly has a quota share for these stocks. The details of these quotas are set out in the TAC and Quota Regulation each year.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

870. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the Spanish EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16276/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule, including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. Spain's quotas under the CFP were established by the Treaty of Accession 1985. The share out of Totally Allowable Catches (TACs) set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Ireland does not have quota in Spanish waters, except for widely distributed stocks such as Mackerel and Albacore Tuna.

North-east Atlantic Mackerel is divided into a number of TAC areas. The Western Mackerel TAC, where Ireland has a large quota share, covers ICES area 6, 7, 8a, 8b, 8d and 8e, United Kingdom and International waters of 5b, and international waters of 2a, 12 and 14. This area includes part of the Spanish EEZ. Irish fishing vessels do not fish for mackerel in these southern waters.

The management area for Albacore Tuna covers the northern Atlantic Ocean, that is, the Atlantic north of the 5^o N line. In recent years, the bulk of Irish catches of Albacore Tuna have been taken from ICES Division 8 (Bay of Biscay), which includes part of Spain's EEZ.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

871. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the Dutch EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16277/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule, including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The share out of TACs set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Ireland has history of fishing for some stocks in the North Sea which incorporates the Dutch EEZ and accordingly has a quota share for these stocks. The details of these quotas are set out in the TAC and Quota Regulation each year.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

872. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the German EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16278/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule, including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The share out of TACs set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Ireland has history of fishing for some stocks in the North Sea which incorporates part of Germany's EEZ and accordingly has a quota share for these stocks. The details of these quotas are set out in the TAC and Quota Regulation each year.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

873. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the Danish EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16279/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule, including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The share out of TACs set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Ireland has history of fishing for some stocks in the North Sea which incorporates part of Denmark’s EEZ and accordingly has a quota share for these stocks. The details of these quotas are set out in the TAC and Quota Regulation each year.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

874. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the Polish EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16280/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The share out of TACs set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Thirteen Member States have joined the European Union in the past 20 years. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined in 2004. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007 and Croatia joined in 2013. Of these Member States, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have small quota allocations for some widely distributed stocks in Western Waters, which includes the waters around Ireland. Ireland does not have quotas in Polish waters.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

875. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the Belgian EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16281/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule, including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The share out of TACs set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Ireland does not have quotas in ICES area 4c which includes the Belgian EEZ except for a small quota for some limited stocks that cover a wider geographical area such as greater silver smelt and blue ling .

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

876. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the Estonian EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16282/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule, including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The share out of TACs set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Thirteen Member States have joined the European Union in the past 20 years. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined in 2004. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007 and Croatia joined in 2013. Of these Member States, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have small quota allocations for some widely distributed stocks in Western Waters, which includes the waters around Ireland. Ireland does not have quotas in Estonian waters.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

877. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the Latvian EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16283/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule, including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The share out of TACs set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Thirteen Member States have joined the European Union in the past 20 years. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined in 2004. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007 and Croatia joined in 2013. Of these Member States, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have small quota allocations for some widely distributed stocks in Western Waters, which includes the waters around Ireland. Ireland does not have quotas in Latvian waters.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

878. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the Lithuanian EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16284/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU fishing fleets are given equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds subject to allocated fish quotas. There are derogations to this access rule, including restrictions on access to Member States' coastal waters.

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Member States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The share out of TACs set in more recent years has also been mainly based on track record, the most recent of these of importance to Ireland has been boarfish.

Thirteen Member States have joined the European Union in the past 20 years. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined in 2004. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007 and Croatia joined in 2013. Of these Member States, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have small quota allocations for some widely distributed stocks in Western Waters, which includes the waters around Ireland. Ireland does not have quotas in Lithuanian waters.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

879. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of quota allocated to the Irish fishing fleet in the Norwegian EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, by species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16286/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Quotas for the various stocks are allocated for management areas - that is, an ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) area or a part thereof - and not Coastal States' EEZs. Generally, most stock areas straddle more than one EEZ area. These stock areas can include EU Member States' EEZs, third countries' EEZs and international waters.

The 1980 Agreement is the main bilateral agreement governing the EU's fisheries relations with Norway. It covers the North Sea, Skagerrak and the North East Atlantic and allows for the setting of Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for joint stocks, transfers of fishing possibilities, joint technical measures and issues relating to control and enforcement.

As a consequence of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, the UK is now an independent Coastal State. Therefore, in addition to the bilateral EU-Norway consultations, trilateral consultations between the EU, Norway and the UK take place to cover stocks shared by the three parties. The majority of stocks and fisheries which had been covered bilaterally under EU-Norway, now come under trilateral EU-Norway-UK joint management. Therefore, the EU-Norway consultations now focus on access to waters, exchange of fishing opportunities and setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for a limited number of stocks in the Skagerrak.

The Agreed Records of the EU-Norway and EU-Norway-UK fisheries arrangements for 2022 are available on the European Commission's website from the following links:

ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/system/files/2021-12/2022-eu-norway-fisheries-consultations_en.pdf

ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/system/files/2021-12/2022-eu-no-uk-fisheries-consultations_en.pdf

The main stocks of interest to Ireland which are covered by the arrangements with Norway are Arctic Cod (which is fished in Norwegian waters of ICES areas 1 and 2), Atlanto-Scandian herring which covers Norwegian, United Kingdom, Faroese, and international waters of ICES areas 1, 2 and 5. Also some widely distributed stocks such as Blue Whiting quota areas include Norwegian waters. The details of these quotas are set out in the TAC and Quota Regulation each year.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

880. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an extension to the already introduced tie-up scheme for fishing vessels will be considered as a supporting measure for vessels that are experiencing hardship at present due to the continually rising fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16287/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I launched a Brexit Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme in September 2021 on foot of the recommendation for such a scheme in the Report of the Seafood Sector Task Force - Navigating Change (October 2021). The Scheme was established as a transitional measure for certain segments of the fishing fleet to mitigate the loss of income in 2021 arising from the significant quota reductions under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, pending more permanent restructuring arrangements. The scheme had very strong take up, with a total of 177 vessels being aided to tie-up at a total cost of €10 million.

The Task Force report also recommended the extension of the scheme into 2022, in recognition of the fact that there will be larger reductions in quotas in 2022 arising from the TCA and that the anticipated benefits of the recommended fleet decommissioning scheme will not be realised until the fourth quarter of 2022. The report noted that this will require a new State Aid Notification.

Work on examining this stakeholder recommendation is very well advanced and I anticipate making an announcement in the coming weeks.