asked the Minister for Defence whether it is proposed that the Air Corps acquire any additional aircraft for fishery protection and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The question of acquiring additional aircraft for fishery protection purposes is under active consideration. Aircraft specifically designed for this role are being developed by a number of companies but there are none flying operationally as yet. Accordingly, I expect that it will be some time before a definitive decision is taken.

Can the Minister give an assurance that extra aircraft acquired for fishery protection will be used solely for fishery protection unlike the one that was acquired for fishery protection before?

I will not give a guarantee that aircraft will be used solely for any one purpose. If an aircraft is required for any other purpose, such as search and rescue, it is appropriate that it be diverted for that purpose on a temporary basis. The main function for which they are required is fishery protection and they are used for fishery protection most of the time.

Will the Minister give the House an assurance that any fishery protection aircraft acquired in future will not be used for ferrying people to and from Brussels and sitting on the ground at Brussels airport?

The aircraft will be used for whatever purpose the Minister of the day deems appropriate.

Question No. 23.

May I ask the Minister for Defence a supplementary question?

No.