asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will arrange a study to improve the prediction of tides for Irish ports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tides Prediction.
40.
I do not propose to arrange for a study as suggested by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that there is a variation in what is forecast in relation to certain harbours which causes difficulties of navigation?
The variation is minimal but I appreciate that there are difficulties. The previous Government decided 12 or 13 years ago that if such a study was carried out and was to be made the responsibility of some Department, it should come under the Department of Defence. At the moment, an officer of that Department is doing a cost benefit analysis of establishing such hydrographical——
Are we relying on British Admiralty conditions?
If this cost/benefit analysis shows that the Government should establish a hydrographical survey section, then that would come under the Department of Defence. We will have to wait what the officer recommends.