Vol. 374 No. 8
asked the Minister for Defence the total number of vessels in the possession of the Naval Service; the number which are currently in seagoing service; the plans, if any, there are to increase the number of vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
10.
asked the Minister for Defence the present strength of our naval forces; whether it is intended to increase the force in size; whether it is intended to replace the minesweepers Fola and Gráinne; and the stage at which his discussions are on the purchase of a submarine for the Naval Force.
(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 10 together.
The strength of the Naval Service on 30 September 1987 was 859. The personnel requirements of the service are constantly kept under review in the light of current strengths and commitments. The question of further intakes of recruits at any time in the future will be examined in the context of general financial constraints and the overall budgetary situation.
The Naval Service has seven vessels at present including two non-operational minesweepers, LE Fola and LE Gráinne, which will be disposed of by sale in the near future. The replacement of the minesweepers is at present engaging the attention of the Government. The question of purchasing a submarine for the Naval Service has not been considered at any stage.
I had better let the Minister's last remark pass. I understood from remarks he passed that it was being considered at some stage. However, we will let that go. Would the Minister not agree that it is essential that those two minesweepers be replaced and that the Naval Service be built up to the fullest possible strength in terms of both manpower and equipment? One of the tragedies of this country is the ravaging of the salmon stocks by illegal fishermen. The Government and the Naval Service, if given the equipment to do it, have the obligation to preserve those stocks on behalf of not just the salmon fishermen but the tourist industry also. If the Minister will accept that, will he not agree that it is essential that the EC be asked to contribute 100 per cent to the replacement of those two minesweepers and to building up the number of naval vessels available and the naval force to the highest possible level?
(Limerick West): I agree. As I have stated, arrangements are now in hand for taking in recruits, 20 of whom will be allotted to the Naval Service. The replacement of minesweepers is under active attention from the Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and the necessary contacts and approaches are being made to the EC for financial assistance.
The Minister said that only 20 of the 400 who have been recruited are being allocated to the Naval Service. He said in the same breath that he quite agrees with me that it is an extremely important branch of the Defence Forces and that it should and must be a major concern for the Government and the Naval Service to preserve our salmon stocks. Given that, to allocate only 5 per cent to the navy does not appear to show any great interest in the navy on the Minister's part.
(Limerick West): That is the Deputy's view.
It follows logically from the figures the Minister has given.
(Limerick West): He is entitled to his opinion, but I feel that the allocation to the navy now is reasonably adequate.
I do not agree with that.
How long have the LE Fola and LE Gráinne been out of commission and tied up? How many of the remaining five vessels are engaged in policing our waters, or what are their specific functions? May I take it from the answer the Minister has given to Deputy Barry that there is no intention of increasing the overall numbers? Deputy Sherlock's question is to ask whether the Government intend increasing, not simply replacing, the numbers of patrol vessels available to us.
(Limerick West): The LE Fola and LE Gráinne were taken out of commission in 1986.
In what month?
(Limerick West): I presume early 1986. The other vessels which are in operation by the Naval Service are the LE Deirdre commissioned in May 1972, LE Emer commissioned in January 1978, LE Aoife commissioned in November 1979, LE Aisling commissioned in May 1980 and the LE Eithne commissioned in December 1984. That vessel has a helicopter carrying capacity. What is the Deputy's other question?
How many of those are active in sea policing currently? Is there any intention to increase, not simply to replace, the numbers of patrol vessels available to us?
(Limerick West): There are no plans at the moment to increase the number of vessels other than as I stated in reply to Deputy Barry, that arrangements are on hand to replace the two vessels that have been out of commission since 1986.
My information is that one of those is currently out of commission and that a mere four vessels are available to patrol the 2,000 mile coastline and the 200 mile limit that Deputy Barry spoke about in terms of our fishing stock. Is that correct?
(Limerick West): I am satisfied that our coastline is adequately protected.
It is not.
Question No. 9.
Did the Minister ever read the report of the tourist industry who say there is hardly a salmon getting into our rivers because of the way they are being poached outside?
(Limerick West): That situation has not arisen today or yesterday.
That is not the point.
With regard to the strength of the Naval Service, does the rule which permits only one vacancy in every ten to be filled apply to the Naval Service?
(Limerick West): That seems to be a separate question.
Surely the Minister will be aware that it is related to the strength of the Naval Service.
