Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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720. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new fisherman scheme will commence; and when financial assistance will start to be released under the scheme. [8083/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Young Fisher Scheme was launched in July of 2024. This scheme is administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) on my behalf. Applications for the first round of the scheme were being accepted until the 31st of October 2024. To date grant aid of €212,000 has been paid to young fishers under this scheme.

The scheme is designed to support the purchase of a first fishing vessel. It is targeted at people who are under 40 years of age and who have demonstrated an interest in working in the industry and have gained the relevant skills and experience required, whether from working in the industry for at least 5 years or undertaking relevant vocational training.

The Young Fisher Scheme also supports the purchase of partial ownership of a fishing vessel. Grants of up to 40% of the cost of purchasing a vessel are available under this scheme, with some restrictions on the age and size of the vessels concerned.

Subject to budget availability the Young Fisher Scheme will reopen for applications in 2025, and all details will be available on