Donegal TD Thomas Pringle says the government’s new Young Fisher Scheme will do more harm than good for young skippers and fishermen.
The scheme was launched last month by Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue to help young fishers buy their own vessels with grants of up to 40%.
Independent TD Thomas Pringle says the scheme is “inadequate and irresponsible” and will put young skippers and fishermen at financial risk.
Deputy Pringle said: “The scheme is supposed to give young skippers and fishermen a way to own their first fishing vessel, but when you look at the cost of buying a vessel and get it to sea and compare it to the grants the scheme offers, the cost to the young fishermen is shocking.
“The scheme provides grant aid of up to 40% for people under age 40 to buy their first fishing vessel. However, I have seen a breakdown of the costs of buying and equipping a fishing vessel that shows that even with the grant, a young fisherman could be looking at a cost of nearly €290,000.
“This must also be seen in the context of the failure of this government and successive governments to stand up for Irish fishermen, because the quotas and restrictions on Irish fishing make it very difficult for anyone to survive in the industry.
“I believe it is irresponsible for the Department to put young skippers and fishermen at risk in this way. I know fishermen who availed of previous schemes for young fishermen and got into significant debt. They had to exit ownership because it was not possible for them to make a living and pay for the vessel under the restrictions that exist.
“This scheme is not at all adequate and must be adjusted to make it realistic for fishers to participate in the scheme and make a living from the industry they love.”
Deputy Pringle added that he has written to Minister McConalogue to outline his concerns.
“If this Government truly wants to support fishermen, a good start would be to stand with our fishing communities and ensure Irish fishermen get their fair share of quotas,” Deputy Pringle said.
