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.