56 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine the progress, if any, which has been made with regard to the implementation of the proposals announced by his predecessor in August 1992 which he stated could lead to the creation of an additional 3,000 jobs in the marine area; when it is expected that these jobs will come on stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Good progress has been made in connection with the marine jobs plans. First, detailed implementation proposals have been drawn up and published by BIM and the Central Fisheries Board, in conjunction with my Department, to cover the aquaculture and inland fisheries sectors respectively. Jobs in the sea fisheries sector will be covered by a joint development strategy to be agreed in the context of the new national plan.