asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if, in view of the fact that none of the building yards of the Fishing Boat Builders Section of the Irish Federation of Marine Industries still operating has orders for new vessels, he has any plans for increasing An Bord Iascaigh Mhara's financial grant for new fishing vessel construction.

An Bord Iascaigh Mhara operate a very generous scheme of financial aid for the fishing fleet under its marine credit plan. It is not proposed to alter what are already favourable terms for the purchase of new fishing vessels.

Can the Minister confirm that BIM have informed the Fishing Boat Builders Section of the Irish Federation of Marine Industries that they had run out of grants and have no further money available? Is this not the reson why there are no new orders with the Fishing Boat Builders Section?

The Deputy has got incorrect information. Grants are available.

Is it not true that BIM have informed the Fishing Boat Builders Section that they have run out of money. for grants this year?

Grants are available.

Is it true that BIM applied for £13 million from the Department last year for marine development and that they received only £6 million? Is that not the reason why they have not sufficient money now to meet demands?

The Deputy knows it was the Coalition Government who did not provide the money for BIM last year.

Will the Minister indicate the amount provided for BIM this year and the amount of money they sought?

If they had £100 million for Gregory surely they have £12 million for BIM.

That is a separate question.

4.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if, in view of the fact that eight boatyards have either closed or gone into receivership in the last year with the consequent loss of employment in already socially and economically deprived areas, he will study the French Government's recently announced plan to modernise the French fishing fleet with a view to applying relevant sections to Ireland.

My Department in conjunction with An Bord Iascaigh Mhara continually review the scheme for the financing of fishing vessels to take account of various considerations including changes in schemes operated abroad. The present level of financial assistance available to purchasers of fishing vessels in Ireland is already substantial and compares more than favourably with schemes in operation in other countries.

Is the Minister aware that in the past five years 28 boatyards have been closed? Is he not worried at this indication of the low standard of maintenance of our fishing fleet?

There is a 25 per cent grant available from BIM for building boats of less than 65 feet, costing £600 each. There is also a loan available for boats bigger than 65 feet. Loans can be got from the financial institutions and are guaranteed by BIM. There is a 5½ per cent interest subsidy.

Is the Minister aware that 28 boaryards have been closed in the past five years? Is this not an indication of the low standard of maintenance of our fishing fleet.

There are 28 boats in the course of construction in the boatyards at a cost of £12.6 million. Eleven new boats have been released since 1 January.

For the second time, that is not the question I asked. Is the Minister aware that 28 boatyards have been closed in the past five years?

Boatyards all over Europe have been closed in the past couple of years. The same thing applies here. Some of the boatyards are operating well and are in a good financial standing.

Can the Minister tell us why he thinks eight boatyards have either been closed or gone into receivership in the past year?

Many fishermen are now looking for steel boats. That is why some of the boatyards had to close.