asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made an application to the EC for assistance in providing further fishery protection vessels.
Written Answers. - Fishery Protection Vessels.
49.
Ireland has submitted an application, under the terms of Council Decision 87/278/EEC of 18 May 1987 for Community assistance in respect of the procurement of monitoring and supervision facilities for the conservation of fishery resources. These facilities consist of data-processing and communications equipment, detection systems and light sea-going craft and equipment for monitoring vessels.
In submitting this application it was indicated that it would be followed by a further application for Community assistance in respect of the procurement of replacement capacity for surveillance purposes. The Commission of the European Communities has been informed of our requirements in this regard and the matter is being pursued in consultation with the Minister for Defence and the Marine.