Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am cognisant of the challenges impacting the inshore fisheries sector and the prevailing difficult market conditions as a result of wider market issues in Europe and beyond due to the rising cost of living and its impact on consumer spending habits. I am aware of the need for ongoing support and development of the inshore sector.

The Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Schemes in 2022 and 2023 aimed to support inshore fishers in dealing with the difficult trading conditions that have arisen due to Brexit. BIM provided dedicated online training modules to participants and grant aid to help put into practice the learning from these modules and assist fishers adapt their operations to reduce costs, improve product quality and reach new customers.

I also announced a wider package of supports and development strategies which include investing in the development of marine infrastructure and in all elements of the seafood supply chain. The €45 million Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme is seeing large investments made in Ireland’s seafood processing sector to allow such enterprises to expand, focus on higher value-added output and in exploring new market opportunities, which may present new channels for output for the inshore sector.In addition, following the closure of the schemes funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, work is now underway to develop new schemes for the sector, funded under Ireland’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Seafood Development Programme. The €258 million programme will provide a wide range of supports for fishers and the wider development of the seafood sector. Inshore representatives form part of the monitoring committee for this programme and will have the opportunity to input into the development of schemes to support the sector. We are working to have new schemes in place in early 2024.

With the assistance of my Department, the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) achieved recognition as an EU Producer Organisation and joined the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) in representing the inshore sector. These organisations, through the implementation of Production and Marketing Plans, will help to develop opportunities for their members. Both of these organisations are eligible for funding under the EMFAF programme to assist in the achievement of their aims.

I can also advise the Deputy of my participation in an ongoing programme of trade missions and promotional activities to enhance the continuing efforts of Bord Bia and industry in marketing Ireland's high quality and sustainable seafood and agrifood produce in key priority markets such as China, South East Asia and West Africa and to a number of key European markets all of which are priority growth targets for Ireland’s seafood and agri-food export sectors.