asked the Minister for the Marine if his Department are represented on the inter-departmental committee that have been established for the overseeing of preparation and implementation of plans to deal with a war-time emergency; and if, in his area of responsibility, adequate productive capacity for, and stores of, goods necessary for life in order to enable Ireland to maintain a policy of neutrality are in existence in order to provide against the possibility of an armed conflict.
Written Answers. - War-time Emergency Plans.
96.
My Department are represented on the committee in question. As regards the fisheries area, Ireland is a substantial net exporter so that, assuming catching and fishing capacity and opportunities are not affected, there would be surplus stocks available for diversion to home consumption should this prove necessary. As regards shipping requirements generally, the policy is to achieve a strategic minimum level of capacity as soon as possible.