asked the Minister for Defence (a) if it is intended to apply to the European Council, or if an application has been made in respect of the balance of the moneys granted by the EEC for fishery protection between that agreed by the Commission as eligible for financial participation by the Community of 61,127,890 European Units of Account, and the 46 million EUA's granted on 25 July 1978, or if the balance will have to be met from the Exchequer, (b) if the difference between the estimated costs of the programme of £60.5 million, and that agreed as eligible for financial participation by the Community will have to be met from the Exchequer, (c) if he will give a breakdown of the capital and running costs of: (i) the number and type of ships at an estimated cost of £48.2 million, (ii) the number and type of aircraft at an estimated cost of £8.8 million, (d) the ships and aircraft which were included (i) in the sum of IR£7,883,571 paid to date, (ii) the sum of IR£5,262,000 at present claimed, and (e) if a further study of requirements is underway or completed for the period after 1982, and if he will give details.
Written Answers. - Fishery Protection
(a) The maximum reimbursement which the council decision of 25 July 1978 permits is 46 million European Units of Account. Any expenditure beyond this level will be a charge on the Exchequer. (b) Yes. (c) (i) Vessels—six (four L.E. Deirdre type and two new helicopter bearing vessels). Capital costs £31 million. Running costs £17.2 million—up to 31.12.1982. (ii) Aircraft—5 maritime aircraft, type not specified. Capital costs £7.5 million. Running costs £1.3 million —up to 31.12.1982. (d) (i) The sum of £7,883,571 included leasing and operational costs of a ship L.E. Ferdia and two Beech King Air 200 aircraft as well as capital costs in respect of L.E. Emer, L.E. Aoife and L.E. Aisling, paid in 1977 and 1978. (ii) The sum of £5,262,000 includes leasing and operatiional costs of the two Beech King Air 200 aircraft in 1979, the cost of purchasing them on a purchase option in December 1979 and payments which fell due in 1979 in respect of L.E. Aoife and L.E. Aisling. (e) A further study of requirements for the period after 1982 has not been undertaken.