asked the Minister for Fisheries what plans he has to develop a co-ordinated programme for the further modernisation and development of the Irish fishing fleet.

The Irish fishing fleet is being modernised and developed in accordance with a national programme which has been in operation for some years. This programme will be updated as required and I am at present studying proposals in this connection which have been submitted to me by a number of organisations involved in the fishing industry.

Can the Minister indicate to the House to what extent his proposals will differ from the existing schemes and grants available?

I will be spelling this out in greater detail in reply to a question from Deputy Begley in a few minutes time. If the Deputy will wait, I have this information in answer to another question.

17.