Parliamentary Question addressed to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if BIM have reported back to him on foot of his request for information on the allegation that the agency was competing unfairly with the private sector in relation to training in the area of marine and water hazards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Reply

In response to the Deputy’s earlier related Question of 22nd February, 2012, I requested the Chair of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) to provide me with a report on the Bord’s training activities. I have since received a comprehensive report on the training courses provided by BIM and associated matters.
This report indicates that BIM does not provide training courses for activities that might be deemed outside its remit. The report further clarifies that training course costs are consistent with market charges, with the exception of the mandatory Basic Safety Training Course, a course which the Bord notes has contributed to the significant reduction in the number of fishermen lost at sea or seriously injured. This course, I am advised, is provided free of charge in the United Kingdom.
Overall I accept the contents of the report which concludes that, regarding the provision of training courses, BIM makes appropriate use of State funding.