Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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1294. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason delays in issuing payments are occurring under the schemes funded through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund ( EMFAF) ; as the EMFAF scheme launched in June 2024, to give the reason why applicants are waiting for their grant aid; for confirmation that no funding issue exists, assure the sector that the scheme is fit for purpose and fully funded in the period to 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12773/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department is implementing and administering Ireland's €258 million Seafood Development Programme which is being co-funded by this Government and the European Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027. It provides a range of schemes through which the sector can access funding.

All sector schemes are administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and further details are available on www.bim.ie/. BIM also provides a range of other supports and advisory services to aquaculture producers. In addition aquaculture producers also have access to finance under schemes implemented by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI).

Under each EMFAF scheme, BIM undertake the necessary verifications, as is financial best practice, in advance of issuing payments to scheme claims from applicants/clients. The Letter of Offer accepted by applicants/clients sets out the terms of payment. BIM have advised there are no delays in payments with regards to the terms outlined in the Letters of Offer issued to all applicants/clients.

I can assure the Deputy that Ireland's Seafood Development Programme is fully funded and it is most fit for purpose.