asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, if in order to stabilise economically the Irish fishing fleet, he will introduce (i) a moratorium on repayments of fishing boat loans, (ii) a fuel subsidy and (iii) general support for fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The majority of boat owners in the Irish fishing fleet have had the benefit of generous capital grants and are in receipt of an interest subsidy on their loans. In these circumstances I would not feel justified in introducing the additional aids suggested by the Deputy.

Is the Minister aware that the fishing industry and all those dependent on it for their livelihood are experiencing a pretty serious recession in recent times with costs rising and standards falling? Is he aware that their liability to pay boat loan repayments and meet the spiralling costs of fuel oil is one that they are finding it hard to contend with? It is a virtual millstone around their necks. In these circumstances would the Minister see fit to come to the rescue of the industry and fishermen concerned? Has he explored the possibility of financial aid for the industry from EEC resources and, if so, what are the prospects from that source?

The EEC are already contributing towards the grant scheme and this year £5 million has been approved for capital grants and £1 million in regard to interest subsidy on the figures. Arising out of the Deputy's question concerning the request to have a moratorium, it is interesting that arrears represent only 8 per cent of the total debts on BIM boats, so that the arrears figure is at the lowest level for years. This would seem to indicate that a large percentage are in a position to repay their liabilities. That total of 8 per cent would hardly indicate a serious situation, but there are cases of genuine hardship and where skippers are in arrears with repayments arising out of hardship they are treated sympathetically. It is only as a last resort and very seldom that BIM resume possession of boats.

Would the Minister hold out any prospect of a subsidy towards fuel oil, which is a very expensive item and growing more expensive all the time?

I appreciate the problems that arise by reason of the escalation in fuel oil prices, but the only country in the Community operating such a subsidy is France and the Commission are investigating it on the basis that it is not in accordance with Community practice and they will not be allowed to pursue it. That is our information, so we are very reluctant to introduce a system which would be regarded as illegal from the point of view of Community practice.

93.