asked the Minister for Defence whether any inquiries have been made by or on behalf of the Government in any foreign shipyards concerning the construction of vessels for fishery protection duty.

No inquiries have been made by my Department in any foreign shipyards concerning the construction of vessels for fishery protection duty.

May I take it that inquiries would not be made by any other Department except the Minister's?

I am only responsible for my own Department.

Could the Minister say if any other Department would be in a position to make such inquiries? The Minister will appreciate that the question asked whether any inquiries have been made by or on behalf of the Government.

I can assure the Deputy that no inquiries have been made by my Department. I am not in a position to answer for any other individual Minister but as far as I know no such inquiries have been made.