Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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355. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of any funding streams nationally or from the EU for young fishermen to help purchase vessels to fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28289/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Seafood Development Programme implemented by my Department and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 provides significant funding towards the sustainable development of fisheries. My Department is working with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) to develop a range of schemes providing funding to industry under this programme, including a Young Fisher Scheme.

The EMFAF Monitoring Committee, which comprises a range of stakeholders including recognised industry groups, has adopted the Implementation Plan required in order to implement this scheme. The details of the scheme will be announced shortly.

This scheme will be implemented by BIM, and once it is open, all details in relation to the scheme and how to apply will be available on www.bim.ie

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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356. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made regarding an application by a person (details supplied) for a licence to fish clams at Ballyness Bay and Magheraroarty in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28294/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department considers all applications for Aquaculture and Foreshore Licences in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended) and applicable National and EU legislation. The licensing process is complex and involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors, as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.

The time for processing an aquaculture licence varies depending on a number of factors including location, species, scale and intensity of production, statutory status of sites and potential visual impact. My Department also takes full account of all scientific and technical advice, in addition to all issues identified during the public and statutory consultation phases. Further factors that can impact the time taken to process an application can include; the requirement for an Appropriate Assessment and whether the application is required to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report; the need for additional underwater or archaeological assessments; consideration of any submissions or observations raised during the public consultation period, etc.

Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all scientific, legislative, technical and public interest elements of each application.

The aquaculture and foreshore licence application referred to by the Deputy to cultivate clams is with our scientific advisors to undertake a screening for Appropriate Assessment. The applicant will be contacted by the Department once this is finalised.