Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) Scheme 2001 (S.I. No. 3390 of 2001).

This Scheme provides for the making of grants by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in respect of the decommissioning of fishing vessels. Applications for grant will be considered in respect of vessels meeting the requirements set out in paragraph 3 of the Scheme. These include a requirement that to be eligible a vessel must be over 10 metres in length and licensed with a Category A licence, other than a Category A (Pelagic Purser), a Category A (Pelagic Freezer) or a Category A (Pelagic Trawler) licence. The vessel must be an "English based vessel" as defined in paragraph 3(5). Paragraphs 4 to 6 of the Scheme lay down a procedure for the making, consideration and approval of applications. Applications must be in respect of one vessel only and include a bid by the applicant for the amount of grant for which the applicant offers to decommission and de-register the vessel and surrender all licences and claims to licences in respect of the vessel. Bids will be selected for approval in accordance with paragraph 5.. In order for grant to be payable the Minister must be satisfied that decommissioning (by a method having the prior approval of the Minister) has taken place, that the vessel has been deregistered and licences and claims to licences have been surrendered (paragraphs 7, 8 and 9). In the event of substantial damage or destruction of the vessel the applicant is required to provide the Minister with certain information (paragraph 10).