asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the non-navigation revenues which were collected by the meteorological service in the years (a) 1985 (b) 1986 and (c) 1987; if he will give a breakdown of these revenues in each of the following categories: (a) RTE (b) the tourist industry (c) marine and fisheries (d) agriculture (e) construction (f) local authorities and (g) sporting organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Information on revenues earned by the meteorological service in the three years indicated by the Deputy, that is 1985, 1986 and 1987, and also for 1988, is set out in the following table. It is not possible to give a breakdown in the manner requested by the Deputy because users do not necessarily state the purpose for which the information is required.

It is not the practice to charge local authorities for information supplied.

Revenue in respect of the supply of information to aviation accrues mainly through en-route air navigation charges which are taken to account separately.

Notes:

(a) Extended service from October 1988.

(b) Includes £15,000 in respect of 1987.

(c) Includes £8,077 for investigational work in connection with the wind regime in Ireland.

(d) Includes £6,400 from World Meteorological Organisation and £4,000 from the Department of Agriculture in respect of work carried out on foot and mouth disease model.