Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
551. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review a decision by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to exclude certain companies from a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36293/24]
View answerThe Brexit Fish Processor Transition Scheme intended to compensate processors that suffered a reduction in turnover of at least 15% as compared to the scheme baseline reference period, and who could also demonstrate that their reduction in turnover was attributed to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement in respect of reduced supply of species directly impacted by quota cuts and/or because of increased operational costs for logistics and administration associated with Brexit. It was designed to stabilise cashflow and assist processors to adapt their operations to the new trading arrangements with the UK.
The award of aid under this scheme, which was also subject to a State Aid approval by the EU Commission, was determined by reference to the scheme's eligibility criteria and not its budget.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) administered the scheme and an appeals process was available and utilised. BIM has engaged directly with those entities who appealed.
The term of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve expired on 31 December 2023 and the Brexit Fish Processor Transition Scheme is closed, consequently it is not possible to consider any further payments under this scheme.
