promoting the use of renewable energy through PV for both the households and business sectors. Government contributed SR3 million toward this scheme in 2014 and a further SR3 million is provided for in 2015. This has complemented the financial support provided through the SEEREP scheme which aims at providing subsidized lending through commercial banks and the Seychelles Credit Union to households for replacement of energy saving appliances and energy-friendly equipment. Mr. Speaker, another form of financial support that Government provides to the SME sector is the fuel incentive scheme for fishermen. In 2014, SR22 million was spent on this scheme and SR13 million is allocated in 2015 to allow artisanal fishermen to continue to benefit from the fuel subsidy. The lower amount in 2015 reflects a change in policy beginning next year whereby only artisanal fishermen will receive the fuel subsidy through the Seychelles Fishing Authority. Semi-industrial fishing vessels will purchase tax-free fuel from SEYPEC instead of through the incentive scheme. Mr. Speaker, in providing subsidies for such schemes Government needs to protect the taxpayers against abuse of public funds. We are very concerned about the reported abuse of the fishermen fuel incentive scheme. Government fully appreciates the hardship of a fisherman’s life. But we will not stand aside and allow abuse of the scheme which puts at risk the support to genuine and honest fishermen. My ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources will review the modality of the scheme and make proposals to Government to improve its management and to strengthen control aimed at eliminating abuse.
promoting the use of renewable energy through PV for both the households and business sectors. Government contributed SR3 million toward this scheme in 2014 and a further SR3 million is provided for in 2015. This has complemented the financial support provided through the SEEREP scheme which aims at providing subsidized lending through commercial banks and the Seychelles Credit Union to households for replacement of energy saving appliances and energy-friendly equipment. Mr. Speaker, another form of financial support that Government provides to the SME sector is the fuel incentive scheme for fishermen. In 2014, SR22 million was spent on this scheme and SR13 million is allocated in 2015 to allow artisanal fishermen to continue to benefit from the fuel subsidy. The lower amount in 2015 reflects a change in policy beginning next year whereby only artisanal fishermen will receive the fuel subsidy through the Seychelles Fishing Authority. Semi-industrial fishing vessels will purchase tax-free fuel from SEYPEC instead of through the incentive scheme. Mr. Speaker, in providing subsidies for such schemes Government needs to protect the taxpayers against abuse of public funds. We are very concerned about the reported abuse of the fishermen fuel incentive scheme. Government fully appreciates the hardship of a fisherman’s life. But we will not stand aside and allow abuse of the scheme which puts at risk the support to genuine and honest fishermen. My ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources will review the modality of the scheme and make proposals to Government to improve its management and to strengthen control aimed at eliminating abuse.
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