: 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?

: 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.

: Could the Minister say how many tenders are under examination?

: There are two under examination.

: Are both of them Irish?

: One is from Ireland, the other is foreign.

: When does the Minister expect to have a decision?

: It depends on when the examination is completed in regard to one shipyard.