asked the Minister for Defence if the three mine sweepers have now been delivered from the British Admiralty; and if such mine sweepers are fully commissioned and seaworthy in every way.

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. I should say, however, that the process of assimilating these vessels into the Naval Service is still proceeding and the maintenance facilities to enable the vessels to be fully used are in the process of being provided.

Could the Minister indicate where these vessels are based?

At the naval base at Haulbowline.

Could the Minister say whether they have left the naval base? In other words, have they been to sea since they were first commissioned?

Yes, indeed.

Could the Minister say to where they have been?

To Skerries.

North and south.

Is it not true that these vessels are not seaworthy at all and, in fact, have not been to sea since being commissioned but have been tied up at the dock at Haulbowline? Is it not true also that the list of defects is longer than the Minister's arm?

That is not true at all. As might be expected vessels that are held in reserve for some years are bound to show defects when put into operation again and certain adjustments are necessary. In the case of the vessels concerned, the necessary adjustments are being carried out but it is a gross exaggeration to say the vessels are not seaworthy.

Could the Minister say whether the vessels will be stationed always at Haulbowline or whether it is intended to disperse them around the coast?

There is no plan to base them in any place other than Haulbowline.

Question No. 23.

Would the Minister not accept that on taking over a naval vessel, the first procedure is to give it a trial for seaworthiness and could he indicate whether these vessels have had such a trial? In other words, have they left harbour at all yet?

The ship of State should be given a trial for seaworthiness. It is doing a lot of bobbing about. It is a fight now between the provisional and the official Fianna Fáil.

The vessels were accepted on the basis that they were completely seaworthy and I have no information to the contrary.

That is not the question I asked.

I am calling Question No. 23.

The question I have asked is whether the vessels have had seaworthy trials. In other words, have they left harbour? The Minister assures me they are seaworthy but if they have not left harbour, how does he know this?

They have been tested comprehensively. The purchase of three vessels for £600,000 was an outstanding bargain although this information may be sour grapes to some.

Could the Minister say——

I have called Question No. 23.

——if the ships came under their own steam from Gibraltar?

They were towed.

They were accepted as being seaworthy.

How did they get here?

They were towed here and are now tied by ropes in the harbour.

That is typical of the Deputy's twisted mentality.