David Stanton
Ceist:22 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 1 February 2000 and Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 18 February 2000, discussions have taken place between his Department and the Department of Defence and the Naval Service with a view to identifying and developing a mechanism whereby engineering officers of the Naval Service may obtain appropriate certification for merchant shipping purposes have been concluded; if the Marine Survey Office has expedited its consideration of this matter as requested by the Minister; if so, if he will report on the outcome of any agreement or consideration that has been reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26977/00]