asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if the vessel referred to at heading 3 in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 26 March 1980, at present being planned by his Department, is the same vessel referred to in a press árticle (details supplied); and if so, if he will give the following information (a) if the article is accurate in its main details; (b) where the vessel was designed; (c) where she will be built; (d) the cost, principal dimensions and the expected dates for its laying down, launching and entering service; (e) if the vessel will be available for fishery protection duties; (f) who will operate it; and (g) if any consideration was given to having the Naval Service manage this vessel on behalf of his Department.
Written Answers. - Fisheries Inspection Vessel.
The fisheries research vessel which I referred to in my reply of 26 March 1980 is similar to the one named in the article specified.
However, there are a number of inaccuracies in the description of the vessel, the most significant of which concerns the length of the vessel which will, in fact, be the same as the prototype, 157 feet approximately. The article is misleading in other respects. The vessel concerned is of a very successful Norwegian design and will differ from the six vessels of the class already in service only in that certain items of equipment and internal layout will be modified in accordance with specific Irish requirements. Facilities on board will be made available to certain agencies such as the National Board of Science and Technology to the maximum extent possible having regard to departmental requirements. The vessel will be equipped primarily for fishery related biological, environmental and oceanographic research. This does not rule out its being employed for other technological or research related activities within its compass whenever and should opportunities for such arise.
My Department have concluded a licence agreement with the Norwegian designers for the construction of the vessel in an Irish shipyard. The Government have decided that subject to satisfactory negotiation of contract terms and delivery dates, the building contract will be placed with Verolme Cork Dockyard Limited. Negotiations have begun with a view to commencement of building in early 1981 and entry into service in 1982.
The vessel will have an overall length of 47.5 m., will be approximately 500 gross registered tons and fitted with a 1,500 BHP engine. The design provides for accommodation for 14 crew and up to eight scientific staff. The vessel is capable of operations of up to 21 days duration.
The vessel will be operated by a civilian crew under the control of my Department. No fishery protection role is envisaged and consequently its management by the Naval Service is not contemplated.