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.