asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he has any proposals for new exploratory fishing projects in 1986 and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is the intention of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to continue the exploratory fishing and gear technology programmes aimed at assisting the fleet to work in new deep water white fish grounds and developing fisheries for pelagic species not subject to quota restrictions. The Exchequer funds allocated to BIM provide for these programmes.

The specific projects to be undertaken in 1986 have yet to be finalised.