asked the Minister for Transport and Power when the charts of the Irish coast were last revised; if any such revision is now in progress or contemplated; and, if so, by whom the work is being done.
54.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Coast Charts.
39.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether this country is a member of the International Hydrographic Bureau; and, if not, whether it is intended to apply for membership.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 54 together.
The charts of Irish coastal waters are published by the British Admiralty, and the basic information contained in them is derived from surveys of the different areas carried out at varying dates up to 1922. Numbers of the charts have been amended, corrected and revised since that date on the basis of local and partial surveys carried out by Irish harbour authorities and other public bodies.
No comprehensive revision of the charts is in progress. The question of the establishment of an Irish hydrographic service to revise the charts is one for the Minister for Defence who, I understand, has the matter under consideration at the moment.
Ireland is not a member of the International Hydrographic Bureau. Membership of this body is made up of national hydrographic services. It is not intended to apply for membership at the present time.