asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will outline the grants and loans available for second-hand boats and fishing gear, and if he has satisfied himself that these amounts are adequate.

94.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will introduce a realistic subsidy for the purchase of second-hand fishing vessels.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.

There are no grants available for the purchase of second-hand fishing vessels. Under the Marine Credit Plan operated by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, however, subsidised loan facilities of up to 90 per cent of the board's valuation of such vessels are available at a rate of interest which at present stands at 8 per cent.

With regard to fishing gear, grants of up to 25 per cent are available together with loans of up to 65 per cent in respect of the first issue of gear for a new fishing vessel at a rate of 13 per cent. There are no grants available for gear purchased subsequently or for a secondhand vessel, but loan facilities of up to 90 per cent are available at an interest rate of 13 per cent.

I regard these terms as adequate and do not propose to alter them.

Does the Minister have available any information concerning the numbers of secondhand vessels purchased vis-á-vis new vessels? What would be the percentage?

I do not have that information but I will get it and convey it to my colleague with a view to giving the information by letter to the Deputy.