2660. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing a guaranteed annual income for fishermen operating in areas of special conservation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60106/26]

The primary source of funding for the Irish commercial seafood sector, is Ireland's Seafood Development Programme (2021-2027), which is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027.

The measures which are eligible for aid are set out in the regulation governing the implementation of the EMFAF, which is aligned with the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy.

There is no legal basis for the provision for direct income supports in relation to primary producers in the seafood sector under the Common Fisheries Policy. The EMFAF Regulation itself also makes no provision for direct income supports to primary producers in the seafood sector, so it is not possible to fund such supports under the EMFAF Programme.

All other measures to be implemented outside of those outlined in the Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027, need to follow state aid rules. Ireland, as an EU Member State, is required to comply with the State Aid regulations.

The European Commission oversees the application of State Aid rules among Member States. Failure to comply with the State Aid rules, such as a failure to provide notification to the European Commission or implementing the aid without approval can result in the Member State being required to recover any aid provided from the beneficiary. These rules also provide for added interest to be applied.

There is no legal basis under the EU State Aid Regulations, governing state aid in the fisheries and aquaculture sector that would allow such supports to be implemented using exchequer funding.