asked the Minister for Defence when he expects the fishery protection vessels to be delivered.
89.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Protection Vessels.
88.
asked the Minister for Defence what arrangements he has in view to replace the existing fishery protection vessels in the Naval Service; and, if replacements are to be made, when will they be made effective.
90.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will take steps to lease two boats for the purpose of fishery protection duty off Dunmore East, County Waterford, until such time as Navy protection vessels or a helicopter are provided on a permanent basis at that important fishing centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
91.
asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to a report indicating that the country would be without a naval vessel or, in fact, any fishery protection for ten months or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 to 91 together. As announced last month, the Government have authorised the purchase of three all-weather fishery protection vessels. Tenders had already been invited for the first vessel and the tenders received are at present being analysed. Until an order is placed, it will not be possible to say when delivery will be effected.
Efforts are being made to locate vessels that might be available to ensure continuity of the fishery protection service in the event of there being no corvette in commission before a new vessel is delivered. It is not the practice to provide vessels on a permanent basis at any particular fishing centre.
Is the Minister happy about the report that appeared in the Evening Press that we will be without fishery protection or naval vessels for approximately ten months?
I am glad the Deputy appreciates the Evening Press.
Obviously the Minister does not.
I have to keep myself informed.
Is the Minister aware that it is ten months since I received a similar answer to exactly the same question?
I have made a clear statement that tenders are being analysed at the moment and it is——
Is the Minister not concerned that we are going to have no fishery protection for a long time?
The Minister is on the job.
The Deputy may be assured that there will be adequate protection.
Apart from the wretched position in regard to our corvettes, will the Minister give any assurance that in relation to Dunmore East there will be adequate protection of the fishery grounds there during the season?
I could not give any specific assurance in regard to any particular area beyond saying that all areas will be patrolled properly and all fishery commitments will be fully discharged.
If the corvettes are not in commission and if we will not be getting new vessels for about a year, how is it intended to protect the fishery grounds?
I have already indicated in my original reply that efforts are being made to locate suitable vessels to put into commission——
We have not got an undertaking in regard to Dunmore East, which is one of the most important fishing centres.
Will the Minister ensure that the research vessel Cú Feasa will be used for protection purposes?
I can assure Deputies that steps are being taken to ensure adequate protection.
Would the Minister specify what steps he has taken to ensure protection?
I would not be prepared to say that.
That would be a separate question.
The House is entitled to know that.
It is a sort of secret service.