Gildernew blocking Fisheries Aid
10 March 2008
Jim Allister QC MEP has pledged full support to fishermen, as they raise their plight at Stormont today, caused particularly by spiralling fuel costs.
The MEP said,
“Fishermen have seen their primary operational cost –namely fuel for trawlers rocket to £4000 per week, while there has not been the same ability to recover costs from the market. This is on top of other ‘stealth taxes’, such as payments to the Irish Light Commission for largely outdated navigation aids, and excessive harbour dues.”
“EU de Minimis State Aid rules permit up to 7500 Euros of aid, per fisherman to be allocated for assistance with such crises situations as we have today. Michelle Gildernew cannot blame Europe for her inaction in this case, which unsurprisingly follows her weak performance at the December Fisheries Negotiations in Europe. These factors combined are contributing to fishermens’ woes”.
ENDS
