584. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Young Fisher Scheme will commence again; and when financial assistance will start to be released under the scheme. [47554/26]

The Young Fisher Scheme is designed to support the purchase of a first fishing vessel and can also support the purchase of partial ownership. It is targeted at people who are under 40 years of age and who have demonstrated an interest in working in the industry and have gained the relevant skills and experience required, whether from working in the industry for at least five years or undertaking the relevant vocational training.

Grants of up to 40% of the cost of purchasing a vessel are available under this scheme, with some restrictions on the age and size of the vessels concerned.

The Scheme is administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is expected to open in September 2026 and close for applications in November 2026. All applications will be subject to BIM's standard assessment and eligibility checks, with financial assistance expected to issue in early 2027.