Allister challenges Gildernew to implement new fisheries package
19 June 2008
Speaking during a debate in Strasbourg on the fuel-induced crisis in the fishing industry, Traditional Unionist MEP, Jim Allister, welcomed much of Commissioner Borg's proposals, which await approval from the Council of Ministers, but warned that without a willingness by DARD to engage in the co-financing required, then the package would only gather dust as far as Northern Ireland was concerned.
Commissioner Borg has made a number of key proposals:
- emergency aid for temporary cessation of activities for a period of 3 months where there is a commitment to be included within a restructuring plan (which could be the installation of more energy efficient engines);
- Member states can set up Fleet Adjustment Schemes (FAS), whereby derogations of EFF rules can be obtained to enhance permanent cessation premiums, plus additional temporary cessation aid for vessels involved in a FAS;
- the present requirement for 80% private funding for engine replacement could be reduced to 40%, likewise the present 60% private requirement on gear replacement can reduce to 40%, meaning significant government funding can now be provided - three times more on engine replacement than previously possible;
- the de minimum aid limits are altered so that up to 30,000€ over 3 years can be paid per vessel, rather than per enterprise;
- concessions whereby social security contributions by employed fishermen can be waived (requires clarification for the self-employed).
Responding in the Parliament to Commissioner Borg's proposals, Mr Allister said:
"For me the key issue is delivery. How do you get common standards of delivery across the EU amongst the Member States, with some, like mine, the
Could I ask the Commissioner today not to be neutral on that, but to expressly call upon all Member States to do what they are now permitted to do under his package and no longer to sit on their hands in this regard?
Otherwise we will continue to have an even less common fisheries policy, compounding inequality and delivering more disaster for the sector."
Commenting further the TUV MEP said, "The challenge now passes to Gildernew.
