asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether the Government authorised the survey of our south and south-east coast line carried out by British military, naval and air force officers and, if so, for what particular Irish purpose this survery was authorised and whether any agreement has been made with Britain to provide facilities for British naval and air force personnel in our ports and harbours and in particular whether Fort Duncannon, County Wexford, is to be made available to Britain as a base for operations in the event of a war in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coastal Surveys.
The survey referred to has been authorised by the Government. As I informed the Deputy on the 1st December, 1948, the purpose of the work is to complete a general and photographic survey in coastal areas and to train a number of officers and men in modern survey methods. No agreement of the nature referred to by the Deputy has been made nor is Fort Duncannon or any other portion of our territory to be made available to any other country.