1. Concerns of the Fishing Industry Iascairí Intíre Cois Cladach na hÉireann (IIE) Presented by Eamon O’Corcora

2. Issues Inability to Fish Loss of Income due to bad weather Loss of Fishing Gear Damage to boats Damage to Equipment Lack of governmental response Level of Debt Loss to local economy of the costal and rural communities and other small and medium enterprises Loss of revenue to the exchequer

3. No Fishing/Loss of Income No Fishing - 12 week period during storms where vessels were unable to go to sea No income to sustain households No income to purchase new fishing gear No income to make repairs to boats No income to purchase new safety equipment No disposable income to purchase goods in the local economy No access to social welfare - Fishermen are self employed and run small and medium enterprises

4. Level of Support No government support – previous scheme unviable, no bad weather money EU support for fishing industry????????? Other countries’ fishermen have received funding from Europe but nothing for the Irish fleet – WHY? Farmers received support why not fishermen No income to pay upfront for fishing gear No bank will loan to SMEs (80 % of Fishing fleet i.e. ~ 2000 boats (SMEs)) Limited access to credit from suppliers No debt write down No compensation offered due to bad weather unlike 1991 scheme

5. Proposals Adequate Financial Support – compensation fund Compensation scheme to be administered directly by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Fully licensed compliant fishermen, i.e. Code of Practice up to date – across the board compensation – everyone lost money Future proofing against further bad weather - Permanent fund in place for adverse weather events

6. Impact of Compensation Allows fishermen (SMEs) to return to fishing and earn an income to support them and their hard pressed families Fishermen spend locally thereby boosting the local economy (SMEs) Purchase of new fishing gear thereby increasing sales to the suppliers (SMEs) Purchase of new safety equipment - EPIRBs to be replaced at a cost of 600 euros even if you only got a new one last year Training courses to be completed Boat Insurance to be paid Will help clear debt burden for last year This in turn will increase the tax revenue to the state

7. + = Moral of the Story + €€€