asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of marine geologists attached to the Geological Survey Office.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marine Geologists.
102.
Over recent years, the staff of the Geological Survey has been augmented and two of its members are in a position to deal with the questions of marine geology arising at present. The recruitment of further staff, including specialists in marine geology, is now being examined.
May I take it from the Minister's reply that at the moment there are no specialists in marine geology attached to that office, that there are two members dealing with it, not people specially qualified to do this?
My understanding of the matter is that there are two persons who are qualified to deal with it.
The Minister indicated towards the end of his reply that the question of recruiting specialists is being examined.
The recruitment of further staff, including specialists in marine geology, is being examined.
Is it on the advice of these two persons to whom the Minister referred that he assesses the results produced from time to time by the Maritime Exploration Company?
Yes, of those two, together with the director.
Have they any other duties apart from supervising this company.
I could not say.
I would suggest to the Minister that the amount of supervision available in his Department over the activities of this company is inadequate.