asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of boats of more than 80 feet now on order by fishermen; and when it is intended to complete these orders.

Ten boats of more than 80 feet in length are at present on order and all are due to be completed by September, 1977.

If that is the capacity of our yards in regard to output how can the Parliamentary Secretary justify a total of 76 boats which was the figure he gave me in reply to another question?

It is not in order to go back to another question.

I am speaking of boats that are more than 80 feet in length. It was about those I was asked.

Are all these boats being built in Ireland?

Six are being built here. Three timber boats and three imported steel hulls are being fitted out here. We hope to have these completed before September, 1977. Four of the ten are being built abroad.

Where?

I have not got that information but they consist of three steel vessels and one timber boat.

Surely the Department should know where these boats are being built.

In reply to a previous question the Parliamentary Secretary gave me a figure of 72 boats to be completed by 1977. How can he relate that figure to his reference to six boats being built in Irish yards?

The six boats being built in Irish yards are vessels between 81 and 89 feet in length whereas the figure to which Deputy Haughey refers included boats of all sizes.

Rowing boats included, no doubt.

I am satisfied that the number of boats completed in Irish yards this year will be about 66 and that taking into account those built outside the country for us, the total will be 72 boats. I might add that of the boats being built in Irish yards, 31 are less than 50 feet in length. The question put down by Deputy Gallagher related to vessels of more than 80 feet long.

I expect that we will build about 70 rowing boats this year.

9.