asked the Minister for Defence the total cost and extent of the hydrographic survey of the Irish coast conducted at the request of the Irish Government by British vessels; whether compensation will be paid by this State to Britain in respect of the maliciously damaged vessel; and, if so, the amount thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hydrographic Survey Vessels.
49.
The position is that in 1962 the British authorities asked for the co-operation of the Irish Government in the carrying out of a survey of an extensive area of the Atlantic. The purpose of the survey was to improve charting generally in the area in the interests of safe navigation and of fishing. The British authorities requested permission to set up radio transmitting stations on sites within this State and the services of a Naval Service liaison officer. The radio stations were required to enable the survey vessel to fix her position as necessary in the course of the survey.
The British authorities indicated that the result of the survey would be made available to the Irish Government and they subsequently offered to carry out survey work in Irish inshore waters with the echo-sounding boats of the survey vessel which would, of course, be engaged on the main survey in areas outside our territorial waters.
It was agreed to co-operate with the British authorities and to accept their offer to carry out surveys of inshore waters and harbours. To date, surveying has been carried out in the following inshore areas:
Lough Swilly, Sligo Harbour, Killybegs Harbour, Burtonport Harbour, Killala Bay, Broadhaven Bay, Blacksod Bay, Baltimore Harbour.
My Department is not aware of the extent of the survey of areas outside territorial waters as that survey is not, of course, being carried out for this State.
The British authorities have made no charge for the inshore surveys and the only expenses involved as far as this country is concerned are of a minor nature consisting of the cost of travelling and subsistence allowance for Naval Service liaison officers, the cost of Army transport used, and expenses arising from the renting of sites for the radio transmitting stations. As indicated in the statement issued by the Government Information Burea on the 21st April, 1971, compensation has been offered to the British authorities. The amount of the compensation involved is not yet known.
When was it done before that?
The last survey?
Yes.
This is going on since 1963.
The one before that?
I have not that date.
50.
asked the Minister for Defence why a military watch was not maintained on the British vessels conducting a hydrographic survey for this State to ensure that malicious damage was not caused to them.
The security of the vessels in question was not a function of the Defence Forces.