I thank the Deputy for his question. I know of his significant interest in this issue. I have met with representatives of the National Inshore Fishermen's Association and other representatives of the inshore sector and am very much aware of the challenges facing the inshore sector. I am also very much aware of the challenges facing the inshore fishery sector as a result of more recent quota drops, changes to their lives and livelihoods and the impact that climate change is having. Ireland's €258 million seafood development programme for the period 2021 to 2027, which is co-funded by the Government and the European Commission under the European Maritime, Aquaculture and Fisheries Fund, EMFAF, is the primary source of funding for the Irish commercial seafood sector, including the inshore sector. Our Department has reviewed all funding mechanisms available, either through the seafood development programme or through other state aid routes, to ascertain if there is a possibility of introducing a financial stabilisation scheme for inshore fishermen. It is clear from this review that the EMFAF regulation under the seafood development programme, which is aligned with the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy, does not make provision for income supports to primary producers in the seafood sector. There is also little scope to implement funding supports of the type being sought by inshore fishers under other existing EU state aid regulations in the fisheries and agriculture sector as matters currently stand. As regards to the basic income for the arts sector, the EU state aid basis for this scheme is what is referred to as the general de minimis regulation. This regulation may not be used as the basis for aid to primary producers in the fisheries and agriculture sector, with the specific fisheries de minimis regulation applying to these producers. Income supports to fishers are available from the Department of Social Protection through the specific category of jobseeker's allowance for them known as fish assist. Any inshore fishers who require such financial assistance are advised to contact their local Intreo centre.
Sentiment score: 0.22
There are additional supports available through Bord Iascaigh Mhara. These are aimed at supporting both the commercial offshore and inshore sectors by means of the various schemes that have helped fishers to survive through difficult times. Shortly after my appointment, I tasked independent consultant Kieran Mulvey to engage with the entire fishing sector to look to see what potential supports could be put in place. I am awaiting his report, which I expect to have shortly. I expect there will be some recommendations. In light of the significant quota cuts that came about as a result of last December's Council meeting, we brought in independent consultant Michael Berkery to look at how supports could be addressed in that regard. There are significant state aid rules involved. It is not so much the source of the funding that is the issue. Rather, it is about the capacity to spend State funds - our own funds - in a way that is not anti-competitive or that runs contrary to the activities of other states. It has to be done in a fair and balanced manner, and those are what are referred to as the state aid rules. I am certainly prepared to look at all potential measures.
Sentiment score: 0.22
I am very conscious of the positive impact that small-scale inshore fishers have on their coastal communities. It is about maintaining, protecting and preserving that from a cultural and historical perspective. I know they are not looking for money. They just want to survive and they would much prefer to do that through fishing and the processing of fish. I am prepared to work with them, and I am conscious of the document. In the context of the work that Michael Berkery is doing and the report from Kieran Mulvey that will be published soon, there is an opportunity for us to work with them over the coming months and years to try to put in place a programme of supports that comply with state aid rules and EU directives and, insofar as we can, retain fishers until such time as fish stocks recover. There are also other opportunities emerging in relation to ecotourism and marine ecotourism and to act in support of the offshore renewable activity that is certainly coming into play and that will be there in the next three to five years.
Sentiment score: 0.34