andMrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider the possibility of leasing planes from Aer Arann for fishery protection on the west and north-west coast.

An aircraft, the "Beech Super King Air" has been leased by my Department for fishery patrol duties. The possibility of leasing further aircraft is under active consideration. In this connection, an aircraft of the "Defender" class was demonstrated on 25th ult. and is at present being evaluated.

Will the Minister accept that the type of aircraft used by Aer Arann would appear to be quite suitable for fishery patrol duties? Will he accept that the north-west and west coasts are in need of more inspections by the Naval Service and the Air Corps?

The Deputy will appreciate that I must be advised by the technical officers, particularly by those in the Air Corps. I can assure him that there was a demonstration of an aircraft of the "Defender" class and I am awaiting a report.

In view of the scarcity of vessels for patrolling the 50-mile limit, will the Minister state how many aircraft would be required to do the job?

That is a separate question. Question No. 7.

Will the Minister accept that this section of the coast is in need of patrolling and will he try to ensure that something positive is done in the near future about this matter?

There is every evidence, especially in recent times, of the general activity of the Naval Service, supplemented by the Air Corps. I can assure the Deputy that the area in question is not being neglected.

Will the Minister accept that the area in question is one in which the Dutch have a free hand and is an area where a Minister has suggested that they can fish freely?

I do not know the background to the allegation of the Deputy.

I am calling Question No. 7.