Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

458. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the fishing industry is likely to expand in the future in terms of production, jobs and exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56235/23]

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

While it is not possible to predict with any certainty future growth in the fishing industry given the geopolitical and economic instabilities globally, I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to monitor the needs of the fisheries and seafood sector. My Department prepares and publishes an Annual Review and Outlook, which provides up-to-date information and statistical analysis from a variety of sources and gives a detailed overview of Ireland’s seafood and agri-food sectors including an outlook for the future. The most recent Annual Review and Outlook report was published by my Department on 27 November 2023.

In addition, according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s annual Business of Seafood reports, fisheries production has levelled off in general over the last few years, apart from fluctuations in landings of pelagic species, including mackerel and blue whiting, reflecting the year-on-year fluctuations in quota allocations. Employment in the overall seafood sector has been stable in the last 5-10 years although employment in the fishing fleet has tended to fall with pressures from other sectors competing for employees. Exports showed an upward pattern in recent years but dipped in volume terms. This was offset by increases in the value of exports to the European Union and internationally reflecting rises in fish prices.

I anticipate that many factors will influence the future growth of the sector, at both national and international levels. Fundamentally, the growth prospects of the Irish fishing sector are strongly linked to the state of the fish stocks that the Irish fleet exploits. The biological states of these stocks are variable, but the long-term trend is for more stocks to be exploited at sustainable levels. I am advised by the Marine Institute that the number of sustainably fished stocks increased from 35 in 2021 to 40 in 2022 out of 75 stocks assessed. More sustainable stocks will lead to increased yields over time and an increase in the profitability of the fishing fleet.

I can advise the Deputy that other initiatives undertaken in the last few years will also assist in ensuring the long-term profitability of the Irish fishing industry. This includes a recently completed vessel decommissioning scheme, a recommendation of the Seafood Taskforce and which was supported by Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) funding, and has removed 39 whitefish trawlers from the fishing fleet. It is important to state that removing these vessels permits €30 million worth of quota for allocation to vessels remaining in the fleet. Additionally, BAR funding has been provided to the Fish Processing sector to increase processing capacity and add value to seafood destined for export markets. Other schemes such as the Brexit Blue Economy Scheme have provided opportunities for fishers to innovate, diversify and assist fishing enterprises to increase employment. Funding under the European Maritime, Aquaculture and Fisheries Fund (EMFAF) which envisages funding of up to €258.4 million will continue to provide supports to the industry to drive change in the sector, attract new entrants and ensure its sustainable future.

In relation to employment prospects, I can inform the Deputy that Bord Iascaigh Mhara have recently launched a new strategic plan to ensure the skills required for an innovative, professional and sustainable seafood industry are delivered. ‘The Next Wave 2023-2028’ will see an allocation of €5 million over the lifetime of the plan and seeks to address a number of challenges faced by the fishing sector. In addition to delivering skills that are currently required, Bord Iascaigh Mhara will determine and plan for future skill requirements, including business and technical skills. This strategy will help to maintain employment in the sector as well as attracting new entrants to the industry over time.

The Programme for Government sets down an ambitious programme of actions that promote a sustainable seafood industry and I am committed to working to continue to build on the progress that has been made to secure a sustainable future for our fishing industry and the coastal communities which depend upon it.