asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement (a) on the inability of the Navy to man the three fishery protection vessels recently purchased and (b) on the adverse criticism of the quality of the vessels having regard to their cost.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Protection Vessels.
79.
It is not true that the Naval Service is not able to man the three coastal minesweepers recently purchased. The strength of ratings at present is quite satisfactory and while there is a shortage of officers, it is possible to provide the number required to operate the three vessels. I am not aware of any adverse criticism of the vessels from a qualified source.
Is the Minister aware that an Army colonel said on television that it was not possible to man the vessels? It is surprising that the Minister is not aware of adverse criticism of the vessels themselves and the price they cost having regard to the fact that they are advertised in the journals at £125,000.
I said I was not aware of adverse criticism from a qualified source and I have no reason to believe that we got bad value for them.
What is the age of these vessels?
I am afraid I could not give the Deputy that information.
Question No. 80 postponed.