asked the Minister for Defence the number of fishery protection vessels that are laid up for repairs at present.
30.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Protection Vessels.
29.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of fishing protection vessels that are in operation at present.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.
At present the Naval Service have six sea-going vessels for operational purposes. All of these vessels are available for fishery protection purposes. It is not the practice to furnish information about the number of vessels in operation or under repair at any given time.
Am I right in assuming that not all of the six vessels are in operation?
As I have stated, it has not been the practice to make available this sort of information. I have no intention of changing that situation.
31.
asked the Minister for Defence when he proposes to authorise the construction of a further fishery protection vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Negotiations have been opened with a view to having the construction of a vessel on the lines of the recently launched LE Emer put in hands without delay.
Is the Minister satisfied that one further vessel is sufficient to patrol our fishery areas, and should we not be contemplating many more fishery patrol vessels?
I would agree with the Deputy. I am contemplating the expansion of the Naval service, and any such expansion would include naturally the acquisition of a greater number of vessels. These matters are under consideration at present. As I have indicated we are at an advanced stage in the negotiations for the construction of another vessel which would be the third of the Deirdre-type protection vessels.
Can the Minister indicate if the provision for these vessels includes facilities for oceanographic surveys?
What type of special provision would the Deputy consider to be required?
We have no equipment for the conducting of marine surveys and research to the extent that has been recommended by the committee of the NSC. I am wondering whether in reviewing the situation provision has been made for such facilities.
That is a separate question.
It is, but, very briefly, as Minister for Defence I see the greatest immediate need as being the provision of additional vessels for fishery patrol. The vessel in respect of which construction details are being negotiated will be along the lines of the Emer and the Deirdre which, as the House knows, were not constructed for the purpose the Deputy has in mind.
Both purposes can be combined.