Gerry O'Sullivan
Ceist:14 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he has any plans to introduce spotter planes to help identify and supplement the naval fishery protection ships; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Fisheries Surveillance.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:41 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the progress which has been made with regard to the acquisition of additional aircraft for fisheries surveillance; if any funds have been received from the EC for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 41 together.
In accordance with an EC approved programme a contract was placed in April 1991 for the purchase of an existing CASA CN 235 aircraft. This aircraft was delivered in early June 1991 and is engaged on fisheries surveillance duties.
The contract also provided for the purchase of two new CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft for the purpose of aerial surveillance of fisheries resources. The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery in early 1994.
The EC programme provides for a maximum refund of 50 per cent of expenditure incurred. An amount of £3,519,000 approximately has been refunded by the EC in 1991 in respect of the purchase of maritime patrol aircraft.
Would the Minister agree that the main problem in relation to Air Corps aircraft is that most of them have reached the end of their active service life and that replacement aircraft will have to be secured to maintain the level of service provided by the Air Corps?
I agree that the aircraft have reached maximum serviceability and this is why we placed a contract for the purchase of two new CASA which are due in early 1994. Another CASA came into operation in June and has been very effective in surveillance activities. The result can be seen in the number of foreign vessels which have been apprehended since that plane came into service. It has been highly successful.
Have the Naval Service any function in relation to surveying the activities of submarines around our waters? Can the Minister report to the House on submarine activity? Can his Department take any action to protect fishery vessels from submarines and prevent potential disasters?
This is a separate matter.
It relates to fishery protection.
We are moving into the submarine area.
If the Deputy wishes to put down a separate question I will be happy to answer it.