asked the Minister for Defence the grants that are available from the EEC for the running costs and personnel salaries of the vessels patrolling its fishing limits.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Fishery Protection Grants.
28.
There are no such grants available.
Would the Minister endeavour to have grants made available? I understand that grants are available for the purchase of these boats, but that is not enough. If we are expected to supervise the various fishing limits a percentage of the running costs should be made available.
The Deputy is under a misapprehension. Grants are not available for the purchase of the boats and, as I stated in my reply, grants are not available either in respect of the running costs or any other costs of the vessels. However, the Deputy is aware of the EEC Council of Ministers decision of October 1976. A final decision has not been reached yet on this matter. It is under consideration, though, at EEC level.
I trust that the Minister will push for grants for these purposes.