asked the Minister for Defence if his Department have sought or received a bid from private companies for the provision of aerial fishery protection services at present carried out by the Air Corps; if it is intended to privatise any part of the Defence Forces fishery protection work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): The question of providing adequate and cost effective arrangements for fisheries surveillance, including aerial surveillance, is kept under constant review in my Department. The Air Corps have operated Beechcraft aircraft in the fisheries surveillance role over the last ten years or so and this service has been very satisfactory. These aircraft, however, are now nearing the end of their serviceable life.

My Department are evaluating aircraft to replace the Beechcraft and are examining the financial and other advantages of leasing aircraft so as to establish the most cost effective means of ensuring a satisfactory level of aerial surveillance. One company have put forward the proposal of having the service carried out on a contract basis. The advantages and disadvantages of undertaking fisheries surveillance on such a basis are being considered in consultation with the military authorities as part of the review.

Did the submission from this company originate from the initiative of the Minister? Did he seek contact or was it done on the initiative of the company themselves? Has he received communications from the officers in charge of the Air Corps expressing their concern about the inaction within his Department in terms of aircraft replacement and the need to take positive action?

(Limerick West): The Minister always takes the initiative. My Department, and the military authorities, are in consultation about the replacement of the aircraft, as I have said.

If it was as a result of the Minister's initiative will he explain to the House why one company only was consulted? What was it about that company that attracted the Minister to consult with them in the initial stages? Why did the Minister not put the matter up for a public and fair tender?

(Limerick West): There was no question of one tender or one firm above another being considered in isolation. When a final decision is made on whether to seek outside contractors or carry on as at present tenders will be sought publicly. The whole matter is under review by staff from my Department and military personnel. Until such time as a final decision is reached I cannot give an indication of what the outcome is likely to be.

Will the Minister say whan he expects the decision to be made?

(Limerick West): The review is taking place and I cannot give the Deputy any indication of when a decision will be made. However, I should like to assure him that no time will be lost.

Will it be made this year?

Is the Minister aware of reports that the Beechcraft aircraft are dangerously corroded because of the extensive amount of flying hours spent out in the Atlantic which has affected the material in those planes? Does the Minister consider it safe for Air Corps personnel to continue to carry out extensive aerial fishery protection services in such aircraft? Will he consider grounding those craft in the interests of the safety of the Air Corps personnel?

(Limerick West): I said that the aircraft are nearing the end of their serviceable life. They are not dangerous and if they were they would not be in use. Air Corps personnel would not be involved in them if they were dangerous.

I hope the Minister is right.

(Limerick West): I am correct.

Is the Minister prepared to correct a suggestion by a representative of the company involved that they had put in a bid for the service and were not consulted as the Minister indicated in the House in a preliminary way? Is the Minister aware that that company seem to be indicating that they are in the running for the contract?

(Limerick West): The matter is under review and a decision has not been made one way or the other.

It appears that the Minister and the company are at different ends.

(Limerick West): It is the Deputy who appears to be different.

The company seem to have a different impression.