I move:—
That the Dáil approves of the Agreement on North Atlantic Ocean Weather Stations, signed in London on the 12th May, 1949, a copy of which was laid on the Table of the Dáil on the 25th April, 1950.
The agreement in question was drawn up at a conference held in London in April and May, 1949, under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. This conference was convened for the purpose of considering the revision and renewal of an earlier international agreement on the subject which was signed at London on the 25th September, 1946. Invitations to attend the conference were issued to the Governments of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Great Britain and the United States of America—states which were regarded as having an interest in international civil aviation in the North Atlantic region.
Aviation and meteorological experts agree that the establishment of ocean weather stations in the North Atlantic has been a notable advance in the development of international civil aviation in that area. The meteorological data which they provide make possible improved meteorological forecasts which, in turn, are of great value for air services. The stations also provide known points to which the captain of an aircraft threatened with a forced landing can direct its flight. Aer Lingus derives appreciable benefit from the ocean weather stations in relation to its services. The regular and prompt receipt of weather data from these ships permits a higher degree of accuracy in forecasts and thereby facilitates Aer Lingus.
The ocean weather ships also help in improving the standard of weather forecasting for other purposes. This applies to forecasts issued to Radio Éireann for the use of the general public and to the Army and Air Corps. It will apply also, when the staffing position permits this work to be undertaken, to forecasts prepared for farmers and fishermen.
The 1946 agreement made provision for the operation of 13 ocean weather stations. The number of ships necessary to maintain a station varies from two to three, depending upon the distance to be travelled to base, the speed of the vessels, and other factors. The new agreement provides for the operation of ten stations. The practical effect of this reduction may not be considerable, since not more than 11 of the original 13 stations were manned at any one time. The three stations removed from the original plan were those in the southern region of the North Atlantic, where island and mainland observation stations give greater coverage than elsewhere in the region. The rearrangement of the other ten stations has been made to secure the best results. The revised location of the stations takes full account of Ireland's interest in the matter.
The full text of the 1949 agreement is contained in a White Paper which was circulated to Deputies on the 20th April, 1950. The agreement was signed by representatives of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Great Britain and the United States of America. The Irish representatives in the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation signed the agreement in Montreal on the 27th June, 1949, on behalf of this country. To date, the agreement has been accepted by Canada, Great Britain and the United States of America.
Article XV (3) of the agreement states that the agreement comes into force, as between the signatory Governments which have notified their acceptance, when instruments of acceptance have been deposited by Governments responsible for the operation of not less than 18 of the vessels referred to in Article I of the agreement. This condition was fulfilled on the 13th January, 1950, and the agreement consequently came into effect on that date.
Article XVII contemplates that the agreement will remain in force until the 30th June, 1953, and that a conference will be convened before that date to consider the revision and renewal of the agreement.
The Irish contribution under the 1946 agreement was at the rate of £5,000 per annum. The Irish representatives made a claim at the 1949 London conference for complete exemption from contributing to ocean weather stations by reference to the extensive facilities already being provided for international civil aviation at Shannon and Collinstown Airports. While acknowledging these services, the conference felt that Ireland should make some contribution. Following a review of the position, the Irish delegation indicated that Ireland was prepared, as a gesture of her interest in matters relating to aviation in the North Atlantic area, to make a contribution at the rate of £1,000 per annum.
The 1946 agreement represented the first successful effort to provide aviation facilities on a multilateral basis and was recognised as a good example of international co-operation.