asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the research facilities available to him, as Minister, to monitor the stocks of fish in our territorial waters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Research Facilities.
8.
(Cavan-Monaghan): The research facilities under the control of my Department include a modern, fully-equipped fisheries research laboratory, together with a number of smaller, strategically sited field stations. The laboratory and field stations are staffed by qualified fishery scientists and technicians. Pending the acquisition of a new fisheries research vessel fishing boats are hired, as required, for the purpose of carrying out surveys at sea. In this way the fish stocks in our waters are being effectively monitored.
Is the Minister satisfied that he has sufficient research facilities available to ensure that he is aware of the exact position in relation to fish stocks in our waters?
(Cavan-Monaghan): One can never be satisfied that a situation is perfect or that it could not be improved upon but the advice given to me is that it is satisfactory at present. As I have told the Deputy — he is probably aware of this already — there is a proposal to acquire a new fisheries research vessel and we are awaiting further details about that.
Does the Minister agree that it is necessary to have several vessels employed in order to carry out proper research and does he agree that such vessels should be properly equipped to conduct research? Does the Minister accept that in order to plan the future of the fishing industry this is something which the Minister, and the Department, should take up immediately?
(Cavan-Monaghan): As I stated there are several vessels in operation at present. They are hired as required by the Department. Pending the acquisition of a new fishery research vessel fishing boats are hired as required for the purpose of carrying out surveys. The new vessel will be an elaborate one.
It is long overdue.
(Cavan-Monaghan): There is a story attached to this and it started during the Deputy's period in office.
Does the Minister accept that because of our position in the EEC we should be availing of grants from that body to ensure that our own people carry out research and not be leaving it to other member states who may be using this to their own advantage to fish our waters?
(Cavan-Monaghan): We are not, in fact, leaving it to the EEC. Each member state appoints scientists who group their knowledge and come to a decision.
Will the Minister tell the House if the building of the research vessel has fallen behind schedule or if it is on schedule? When is it expected that it will be launched? Has he made any provision for adequate trained staff to man this vessel and have it operational to its maximum capacity?
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am speaking from memory when I say this, but I understand that either the Deputy or his predecessor made substantial payments on foot of this vessel before the vessel was in fact ordered under contract, and that we are still waiting for the full specification and the full plans and the full contract from the builders.