asked the Minister for Defence the reason all the equipment referred to in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 29 April 1980 has not yet been acquired; the reason for the delay in ordering the two helicopter-carrying ships and the five maritime aircraft; and if the money provided for this purpose by the EEC will not now be paid as it covered the period to the end of last year only.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
844.
The equipment referred to forms part of a programme for the provision of resources to cater for fishery protection measures. Under this programme three vessels have been built already and brought into service, a helicopter-carrying vessel has been designed and an order for the first such vessel was placed with Verolme Cork Dockyard Ltd. last month. A provision of £1 million is included in the Defence Estimate this year for a down-payment on the purchase of two maritime helicopters. The question of acquiring a further helicopter-carrying vessel will be considered as the programme develops.
A number of different types of aircraft for maritime surveillance purposes are being evaluated with a view to deciding the most suitable type. Two Beech Super King aircraft were purchased to enable the Air Corps to carry out surveillance in the meantime.
The period for recoupment from EEC funds continues to the end of the present year. The question of seeking an extension is being pursued.