asked the Minister for Defence the reasons for the delay in equipping LE Eithne with a helicopter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

139.

asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the helicopter-bearing fishery protection vessel was commissioned; and the number of occasions of a routine patrol nature, in which helicopters have used this vessel.

Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.

LE Eithne was commissioned on 7 December 1984. Since the arrival of the Dauphin helicopters, there have been helicopter detachments to LE Eithne on 20 occasions. The level of detachment is related primarily to pilot training, which is proceeding as quickly as possible.