asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what financial help is being given by the State towards the study of and research into oceanography and marine biology, and particularly towards the cost of acquiring and operating equipment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oceanography and Marine Biology.
22.
I can only speak for the area of activity covered by my own Department and this relates to matters concerning our commercial fisheries. The funds required for the study of and research into oceanography and marine biology in so far as they relate to commercial fisheries are provided each year in the Fisheries Vote. The funds cover the salaries and expenses of the scientific and engineering staff of the Fisheries Division of the Department, the cost of scientific investigations, including the equipment required for that purpose, the cost and the annual operating expenses of our two exploratory fishing vessels and the contribution to and expenses of attendance at the international council for the exploration of the sea and other organisations with similar aims.
Is the Minister aware that some experts in oceanography and marine biology in Galway are unable to pursue research which would be of immense value to this country because, while their salaries are being paid, no equipment and no boats have been made available to them and they are unable to pursue many lines of research which would be of great value to the fishing industry? Would the Minister now make inquiries and give such help as might be necessary in the form of equipment and capital so that these people whose skills are there may have those skills applied for the benefit of the country?
The Deputy will appreciate that the fields of scientific research to which he refers are extremely wide and that our resources to meet them are limited, but I will take note of what he says in connection with the researches to which he referred and have the matter examined.
I am grateful to the Minister.