Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Fishery Research .
- Fishery research facilities and spending 4 speeches
The Minister described the Department’s laboratory, field stations and research work, then listed 1982 project costs in response to a request for research expenditure.
Denis Gallagher, Patrick O'Toole
- Fishery research vessel tenders 8 speeches
The Minister said two tenders, one Irish and one foreign, were under examination and that a decision depended on completing an examination of one shipyard. Mr. Daly also raised funding-related curtailment of research at Carna, but the Minister did not address that issue.
Brendan Daly, Patrick O'Toole
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will give details of the facilities available for fishery research under the aegis of his Department.
Comment on this
: The research facilities under the control of my Department include a modern, fully-equipped fisheries research laboratory, together with a number of smaller, strategically sited field stations. The laboratory and field stations are staffed by qualified fishery scientists and technicians. Pending the acquisition of a new fisheries research vessel fishing boats are hired, as required, for the purpose of carrying out surveys at sea.
My Department also participates in national and international research projects in our waters and through the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has access to the research results of other countries.
Comment on this
: In 1982 projects on the Celtic Sea—herring larvel survey ongoing costing £36,000; Mulroy Bay research £800; young herring survey, Irish Sea, £9,000; EEC shellfish directive survey £105; nephrops survey, £11,000; herring survey north west coast £49,500; plaice survey £4,000; oyster research £500.
Comment on this
: What is the present position in relation to the research vessel? Is the Minister aware that research at Carna was recently curtailed because of lack of finance? Has he any proposals to deal with this and enable the research to proceed?
Comment on this
: In relation to the research vessel, tenders for the construction of a fishery research vessel have been received and are being considered. One of the tenders is from a shipyard which is under examination by the Department of Industry and Energy. Until that examination has been completed I am not in a position to make a decision. I suggest that the Deputy's second question deals with a different subject matter.