I move:
That Dáil Éireann approves the terms of the Convention and its two Annexes establishing the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation: EUMETSAT.
The primary objective of this new organisation is to establish, maintain and exploit European systems of operational meteorological satellites. No such specifically European organisation has existed hitherto.
EUMETSAT is being set up under the aegis of the European Space Agency, Europe's primary organisation for space and related high technology activities. Ireland's membership of the space agency and our participation in its activities fall within my area of responsibility.
On 24 May 1983, at a Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Geneva the convention establishing EUMETSAT was formally adopted and opened for signature. The conference was attended by representatives of 16 countries, 15 of which have to date signed the convention.
The convention will enter into force 60 days after the date on which countries whose contributions to EUMETSAT amount to more than 85 per cent of the total budget, have ratified the convention. Of the 15 signatories, two have thus far ratified the convention.
By reason of Article 29.5 of the Constitution, the convention must be approved by Dáil Éireann before the State can be bound by it. Approval of the present motion will allow the formalities for ratification by Ireland to be completed in the near future.
In simplest terms, meteorology is the science of weather forecasting. Its benefits impinge on a number of key economic sectors and, in particular, on agriculture, shipping, air transport and fisheries.
Meteorological information has traditionally been provided by observation stations on land and on board ships of various kinds. The data thus collected is collated and exchanged among national meteorological services co-operating within the framework of the World Meteorological Organisation.
For a number of years now information obtained from ground based observers has been supplemented by data from American and Russian meteorological satellites. This information, and in particular the satellite photographs showing cloud cover and frontal activity, has considerably improved the accuracy of weather forecasting. It has been felt, however, and this country shares this feeling, that there should be an adequate availability of information from other than just these two sources, namely, the Russian and American sources.
With the spread of advanced space technology, therefore, countries other than America and the USSR have embarked on programmes of space meteorology, such as Japan and India. Indeed Europe itself, acting through its own European Space Agency (ESA), has also placed satellites in orbit. Ireland is, of course, a full member of ESA.
ESA has launched two satellites as part of its meteosat programme. This experimental project was funded by a limited number of ESA's more developed member states. While the meteosat programme provided a sound base for European satellite meteorology, it was obvious that once the programme ended with the expiry of the life terms of the original satellites, a more permanent structure would be required to ensure that Europe's needs in this vital area would continue to be met under a system which is under its own direct control in Europe.
For this reason, EUMETSAT has been established as an international organisation capable of procuring, launching and maintaining a system of European meteorological satellites.
As I have mentioned, the organisation is being set up under the aegis of ESA and indeed, out of ESA, meaning that the personnel etc., are initially being provided by the space agency. In a few years, as early as is practicable, ESA will hive off EUMETSAT which will then become a completely separate organisation. In order to provide continuity in the meantime ESA's meteosat programme will be maintained until EUMETSAT is fully operational.
Annex 1 of the convention describes the technical details of the satellite system which EUMETSAT will operate. The satellites will be of the meteosat type developed by ESA and will operate in what is known as "geostationary orbit". This entails placing the satellites in an orbit 36,000 km above the earth. At this altitude the satellite's orbital speed is equal to the speed of the earth's rotation and the satellite, therefore, has a fixed position relative to the earth's surface. This allows earth stations and the satellite to remain in contact "around the clock". As a result, pictures from the satellite can be available every 30 minutes. In case of weather satellites in low earth orbit, the meteorological service could only receive their signals as they pass over Ireland, six times daily.
Because of this frequency of transmissions and because of being specifically positioned to serve Europe, the latest data can be uniquely valuable in the formulation of short-term weather forecasts. Furthermore, the science of meteorology and the related broader science of climatology can be progressed by enabling the formulation of more accurate models which demonstrate theoretically how weather systems operate.
In the initial phase, which lasts for 12 years, Ireland under a special arrangement, will contribute to EUMETSAT at a rate of £25,000 per annum which is equal to approximately 0.1 per cent of the total financial envelope. On the date of signing, this percentage figure was inserted in annex II of the convention, which is lodged with the depositing authority in Geneva.
EUMETSAT will be governed by a council composed of not more than two members from each member state, each delegation having one vote. Thus, each member state will have an equal say in the running of the organisation, irrespective of the size of its contribution. One member of each delegation must be drawn from their country's meteorological service.
The council will have the powers to adopt those measures necessary for the implementation of the convention. The council will also be responsible for governing the conditions of accession to the convention, adopting the annual budget, and appointing the director of EUMETSAT. The director of EUMETSAT will be responsible for the implementation of the decisions taken by council and as the legal representative of EUMETSAT will have the power to sign agreements and contracts approved by the council.
Membership of EUMETSAT will guarantee this country greater range, accuracy and quality in weather forecasts as part of a continuing system into the indefinite future. This will result in a substantial and continuing improvement in the weather forecasting services provided for a number of key economic sectors.
I commend this motion for the approval of the House.