asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware that aerial photographic sources used by the Irish Geological Survey in relation to our coasts originate from the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force; and if permission was granted by the Government for any reconnaissance flights.

: I am advised that the Geological Survey of Ireland do not use aerial photography from the sources indicated by the Deputy. The second part of his question does not arise, therefore.

Between 1973 and 1977 the Geological Survey organised an aerial photographic survey of the Republic of Ireland. This survey was carried out under contract by the Institute Geographique National of France. Almost all the survey's aerial photographic work is now based on this comprehensive coverage. The coastal zone of the Republic of Ireland was photographed from the air by the Air Corps in 1956 and these photographs are still in occasional use.

: Is the Minister satisfied that neither the Royal Air Force nor the United States Air Force are taking photographs, or have taken photographs in the past of the Irish coast?

: The information available to me is that the sources suggested by the Deputy are not used by the Geological Survey of Ireland.

: Is the Minister satisfied that these two agencies, the RAF and the USAF, are not taking photographs of the Irish coast?

: I am not in a position to answer that question because it would be a matter outside the control of my Department.

: Have the Minister or the Department given permission or have they received an application from the RAF and the USAF for permission to carry out reconnaissance flights over the Irish coast?

: I am not so aware.