I move:—
That Dáil Éireann approves the Agreement on North Atlantic Ocean Stations, signed at Paris on 25th February, 1954, a copy of which was laid on the Table of Dáil Éireann on the 2nd March, 1955.
The agreement referred to in the resolution was drawn up at a conference held in Paris in February/March, 1954, under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The ocean stations scheme was established by an international agreement signed in 1946 and was continued in a modified form under an agreement signed in 1949. Ireland was a party to both agreements, contributing £5,000 a year under the 1946 agreement and £1,000 a year under that of 1949. Invitations to attend the conference were issued to the Governments of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Great Britain, United States of America, Columbia, Cuba, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland and Venezuela. The first 12 of these were parties to the 1949 agreement; the other eight, although not parties to the agreement, were at the moment or had been at some time during the currency of the agreement operating air services over the North Atlantic. Of the 20 States Ireland and Portugal were the only two that had not at any time operated such air services. Portugal, like Ireland, contributed £1,000 a year under the 1949 agreement, but the Portuguese Government had announced their intention of discontinuing this payment. All the States invited sent delegates to the conference with the following exceptions: Portugal, Columbia, Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela. Venezuela sent an observer and in addition there were observers from a number of interested international organisations.
Aviation and meteorological experts agree that the establishment of ocean stations in the North Atlantic has been a notable advance in the development of international civil aviation in that area. The meteorological data which they provide make possible improved meteorological forecasts which in turn are of great value for air services. The stations also provide known points to which the captain of an aircraft threatened with a forced landing can direct its flight. One of these ships was responsible for the rescue of the passengers and crew of the Bermuda Sky Queen which had to land on the ocean in October, 1947. A report from Great Britain to I.C.A.O. lists 17 cases during the first half of 1954 in which overdue aircraft that had lost communication with shore stations were located through communication with the station vessels.
Aer Lingus derives benefit from the ocean stations in relation to its services. Inaccurate weather forecasts for airports lead to last minute postponements, cancellations, diversions or returns whilst en route. These disruptions of operations lead to appreciable loss of revenue. The regular and prompt receipt of weather data from these ships permits a higher degree of accuracy in forecasts and thereby facilitates Aer Lingus.
The 1949 agreement made provision for the operation of ten ocean stations. The number of ships necessary to maintain a station varies from two-three depending upon the distance to be travelled to base, the speed of the vessels, and other factors. The new agreement provides for the operation of nine stations; the station removed in the change being that located between Bermuda and U.S.A.
Question agreed to.