Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Purchase of Naval Vessels.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

952 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to fulfil the commitment made for the purchase of three new vessels for the Naval Service, one of which was to be acquired by the end of 1995 and none of which have yet been purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15407/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

As I outlined previously to the House the EU has introduced a five year programme of financial aid towards the cost of measures to enforce the Common Fisheries Policy.

In submitting proposals for 1996 Ireland put the emphasis on securing support for the requirements to implement the new entry and exit arrangements which came into operation on 1 January 1996 and which are an essential element of the new control measures for the Irish box. In addition to these items funding was also sought for a range of control measures to be operated by both the Department of Defence and the Department of the Marine. The total amount of expenditure under the programme for both Departments for 1996 is £5.8 million, of which £4.3 million will be met by the EU. In agreeing to the 1996 programme the EU Commission recognised the unique position of Ireland by agreeing to a higher rate of intervention to many elements of our package and by contributing to Ireland's operational costs.

I have now asked that an examination be carried out to establish the resources required by the Naval Service to ensure effective enforcement of the various regulations taking account of the control measures agreed in December 1995. The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that Ireland will derive the maximum benefit from the available EU support including support for the purchase of additional patrol vessels.

The Commission will consider Ireland's application in conjunction with those of other member states and will decide before the end of the year on the level of funding to be made available in 1997. Pending the implementation of the five year programme the Naval Service will continue to provide a fishery protection service using the existing seven patrol vessels, a number of which, it is expected, will be refurbished under the five year programme.