Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Protection Vessels.
- Fishery protection vessels in operation 5 speeches
White asks how many fishery protection vessels are laid up or operating. Molloy says all six sea-going vessels are available for fishery protection but declines to disclose how many are operating or under repair.
James White, Robert Molloy
- Construction and expansion of patrol fleet 4 speeches
Molloy says negotiations are advanced to build another vessel like the Emer. He agrees that more patrol vessels may be needed and says broader Naval Service expansion, including additional vessels, is under consideration.
Patrick Hegarty, Robert Molloy, James White
- Oceanographic survey facilities on vessels 6 speeches
Quinn asks whether new vessels will support oceanographic surveys and research. Molloy says the immediate priority is fishery patrol vessels and that the planned vessel will follow designs not built for survey work; Quinn argues both purposes can be combined.
Ruairí Quinn, Robert Molloy, Joseph Brennan
asked the Minister for Defence the number of fishery protection vessels that are laid up for repairs at present.
30.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Defence the number of fishing protection vessels that are in operation at present.
Comment on this
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.
At present the Naval Service have six sea-going vessels for operational purposes. All of these vessels are available for fishery protection purposes. It is not the practice to furnish information about the number of vessels in operation or under repair at any given time.
Comment on this
As I have stated, it has not been the practice to make available this sort of information. I have no intention of changing that situation.
31.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Defence when he proposes to authorise the construction of a further fishery protection vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
Negotiations have been opened with a view to having the construction of a vessel on the lines of the recently launched LE Emer put in hands without delay.
Comment on this
Is the Minister satisfied that one further vessel is sufficient to patrol our fishery areas, and should we not be contemplating many more fishery patrol vessels?
Comment on this
I would agree with the Deputy. I am contemplating the expansion of the Naval service, and any such expansion would include naturally the acquisition of a greater number of vessels. These matters are under consideration at present. As I have indicated we are at an advanced stage in the negotiations for the construction of another vessel which would be the third of the Deirdre-type protection vessels.
Comment on this
Can the Minister indicate if the provision for these vessels includes facilities for oceanographic surveys?
Comment on this
We have no equipment for the conducting of marine surveys and research to the extent that has been recommended by the committee of the NSC. I am wondering whether in reviewing the situation provision has been made for such facilities.
Comment on this
It is, but, very briefly, as Minister for Defence I see the greatest immediate need as being the provision of additional vessels for fishery patrol. The vessel in respect of which construction details are being negotiated will be along the lines of the Emer and the Deirdre which, as the House knows, were not constructed for the purpose the Deputy has in mind.