Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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762. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to providing additional financial support to the inshore fishing industry to assist it with the disruption to sector’s markets as a direct result of the unjust war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4012/23]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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763. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to support the inshore fishing industry in order to keep the sector viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4013/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 762 and 763 together.

I remain conscious of the challenging environment for inshore fishers. In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fuel costs have been particularly highlighted as a challenge in my engagement with the sector, particularly during the summer months of 2022 when prices peaked. It has been a welcome signal that these prices have since fallen and coming into 2023, are at a similar level to what was experienced prior to the Russian invasion. I am continuing to monitor this situation and keep these matters under review.

In terms of supports for the sector, during 2022, I introduced a number of schemes to support the inshore sector directly and other schemes to benefit the seafood sector as a whole. These schemes were based on the findings of the Seafood Task Force which had among its members representatives from across the seafood sector including the National Inshore Fisheries Forum. Their participation ensured that the industry shaped the recommendations according to their needs and the difficulties that they faced.

Based on a Task Force recommendation, last year I announced the €3.7 million Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme to assist inshore fishers to adapt their business operations to the post Brexit environment. Under this scheme 800 eligible inshore fishers were provided with online training modules and awarded between €2,700 and €4,000 each.

I also announced Brexit Inshore Marketing Scheme, based on another Task Force recommendation. This scheme which operated over 2022 and is continuing into 2023 is delivered by Bord Bia to promote sales of stocks of interest to inshore fishermen, in order to boost prices at the quayside. The plan focuses on supporting the sales and promotion of inshore species such as Irish crab, lobster, whelks, inshore herring/mackerel and line caught hake and pollock on both the domestic and export markets. €1 million in funding has been provided.

While I have provided short-term supports to the Inshore sector to address disruptive, external events, longer term supports will be focused on allowing the Inshore sector to become more resilient and sustainable. This will be achieved through the €258.4 million European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture, or EMFAF, Seafood Development Programme.

EMFAF supports the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the EU Maritime Policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance. Building on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020, it provides supports to achieve food security through the supply of seafood products, growth of a sustainable blue economy and healthy, safe and sustainably managed seas and oceans. Ireland’s programme under EMFAF not only supports the industry directly, but also assists in meeting obligations under the CFP and targets in relation to sustainability and biodiversity.

Development of the Programme was subject to public consultation and received input from stakeholders including from representatives of the Inshore fishing sector, in 2020 and 2022.

Small scale coastal fisheries are called out for special attention within the new programme. For the inshore sector, the Programme will provide for continued support for capital investment on board, capital investment ashore relating to the landing obligation, innovation in fishing gear and methods, technical advice to the fleet, acquisition of a first vessel by young fishers, training, and marketing.

The precise nature of schemes and how they are delivered will be developed during the first half of this year. Any schemes or projects put forward for support will have to be assessed in respect of eligibility and in accordance with all relevant EU regulations and guidelines.

Beyond financial support, I have facilitated the National Inshore Fisheries Forum in developing and implementing their own, industry-led strategy to raise the profile of the inshore sector, facilitate their engagement in policy initiatives and enhance their understanding of management and planning for inshore fisheries. In addition, I have facilitated constructive discussions around industry priorities and exploring new opportunities for diversification.

During the lifetime of this Government, two Producer Organisations have been guided to achieving official recognition which will assist in the development of the sector and market opportunities through Production and Marketing Plans, and also provide additional representation for Inshore fishers to give them a stronger voice.

I will continue to engage with the Inshore sector through these organisations and forums to address challenges facing the sector and seek their input into the development of initiatives.