asked the Minister for Defence the number of fishery protection vessels that are laid up for repairs at present.

30.

asked the Minister for Defence the number of fishing protection vessels that are in operation at present.

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.

Am I right in assuming that not all of the six vessels are in operation?

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.