asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will give details of the facilities available for fishery research under the aegis of his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Fishery Research .
17.
: 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.
My Department also participates in national and international research projects in our waters and through the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has access to the research results of other countries.
: Can the Minister tell us the amount of money spent on research last year?
: In 1982 projects on the Celtic Sea—herring larvel survey ongoing costing £36,000; Mulroy Bay research £800; young herring survey, Irish Sea, £9,000; EEC shellfish directive survey £105; nephrops survey, £11,000; herring survey north west coast £49,500; plaice survey £4,000; oyster research £500.
: What is the present position in relation to the research vessel? Is the Minister aware that research at Carna was recently curtailed because of lack of finance? Has he any proposals to deal with this and enable the research to proceed?
: In relation to the research vessel, tenders for the construction of a fishery research vessel have been received and are being considered. One of the tenders is from a shipyard which is under examination by the Department of Industry and Energy. Until that examination has been completed I am not in a position to make a decision. I suggest that the Deputy's second question deals with a different subject matter.
: Could the Minister say how many tenders are under examination?
: There are two under examination.
: Are both of them Irish?
: One is from Ireland, the other is foreign.
: When does the Minister expect to have a decision?
: It depends on when the examination is completed in regard to one shipyard.