asked the Minister for Defence if it is proposed to provide adequate protection for the Irish deep sea fisheries by the purchase by his Department of suitable protection vessels; and, if so, when.

As was indicated in replies to questions over the past few months, the Government have authorised the purchase of two new vessels, one a naval vessel with fishery protection potential and the other a fishery protection vessel primarily. Considerable preparatory work has been done in relation to both of these vessels and tenders have been invited from interested yards for the fishery protection vessel. Until tenders are received and considered, I could not say how long it will take to get delivery of the new vessel.

Could the Minister say when the advertisement for tenders went out?

The tenders were recently sought.

Does the Minister expect to get tenders?

Yes.

How soon would he expect to get them?

That is a separate matter.

Is the Minister aware we have been asking his predecessor about this matter for the last 12 months?

Could the Minister say whether these are new vessels and approximately what he expects them to cost?

I have indicated the type of vessels that are being sought.

Are they new vessels?

Yes. They will provide an efficient service in the interest of fishery protection.

Are they likely to cost £300,000 or £500,000 each?

That is a separate question.

We should know something about these vessels.

Has the Minister consulted with the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries as regards the great necessity for protection for our fishing vessels? Three of our own boats were recently arrested off the Isle of Man for just drifting inside the 12-mile limit. Here our boats have no protection at all. Could the Minister give consideration to temporary measures to rectify this position?

As a result of my own experience I am well aware of the need for improved protection, and I am satisfied that the measures that have been taken are adequate.

Does the Minister believe that those vessels will be capable of preventing gun-running from the Twenty-six Counties into the Six Counties—guns that are already here?

That is a separate question.

It is very important for the future of this country and Northern Ireland. It is well known that guns have been coming in over the last six or eight months.

Would the Minister agree that an inshore Deputy would be better off to keep his peace on an issue like this?