A new social welfare scheme to assist fishermen affected by bad weather has been described as "insignificant" by the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation. The Fishing Assist scheme, which has been incorporated in the Social Welfare Bill, will only help about 5 per cent of skippers and crews in the fleet, the IS&WFO claims.
The new provisions have been described by the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, and the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, as "a substantial response from the Government" to the difficulties experienced in the sector during prolonged periods of bad weather.
Many smaller inshore vessels have been confined to port by a series of Atlantic depressions since October 1st.
Under the scheme, which will take effect from the first week of April, 80 per cent of all income from self-employment will be assessed for social welfare rather than 100 per cent as has been the case before; there will be child-related income disregards of £100 per annum for the first two qualified children, and £200 per annum for the third child and subsequent children; and there will be a relaxation of "signing-on" arrangements.
The two Ministers say some 500 low-income self-employed fishermen will benefit from the measure. Under existing conditions, self-employed share fishermen have no social welfare support when affected by bad weather.
Mr Jason Whooley of the IS&WFO said any measure benefiting the industry had to be welcomed, but this would have an insignificant effect.
"A lot of people who have been badly hit by the last few months of bad weather won't be helped," he said.
His organisation was still seeking compensation from the State, and was also looking for the introduction of a seafarers' allowance, similar to that extended to those working in shipping, and a system of tax credits for days at sea.
