asked the Minister for Defence the up-to-date position and the tonnage, type and previous duties in relation to the vessels he proposes to purchase or lease for (a) fishery protection (b) general surveillance (c) environmental protection (d) hydrographic service (e) continental shelf resources (f) transportation and (g) diving; and the additional aircraft which will be purchased or leased to supplement the naval craft.

Since my reply on 10th March 1977 to the Deputy's Question No. 11, chartering arrangements were completed in respect of the stern trawler since renamed L.E. Ferdia and the aircraft referred to in the reply. As the Deputy is aware, a new all weather fishery protection vessel is due to be delivered in November or December this year and it is proposed to acquire a further such vessel for delivery in 1978 or early 1979.

Particulars of the three vessels mentioned are:—

The acquisition of additional vessels and aircraft is being considered.

Could the Minister tell us if the L.E. Ferdia has broken down since it was purchased and if it is the intention of the Department to scour the scrapyards of Europe for further vessels as they appear to have done on this occasion? Would the Minister assure the House that adequate fishery protection vessels of the type necessary or desirable to cope with the problems and demands of the service are obtained, not scrap vessels such as the one that has been obtained and which is 20 years out of date?

I can assure the Deputy that his allegation is not only untrue but disgraceful and scandalous.

Did it break down on any occasion since it was purchased?

That is a separate question.

Yes, there were minor difficulties on the occasion of its arrival. These were put in order and there is now no problem nor is there likely to be any problem. I am satisfied that the L.E. Ferdia is in very good condition and to describe it as coming from the scrap heap ill becomes the Deputy and shows complete disregard for the interest he personally has in fishery protection.

Is this vessel, in fact, 20 years out of date? I assure the Minister I am more concerned than he appears, or the Government appear to be about fishery protection. I want to see proper vessels obtained for the Naval Service so that justice will be done to this very important service that has been overlooked, perhaps, by different Governments for far too long.

12.