39 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the new ships, if any, which are being provided for the Naval Service; if sufficient personnel are being recruited to crew the vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3661/97]

278 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the likely additional recruitment for the Naval Service in 1997 and 1998; the likely additional workload on the Naval Service in 1997 and 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3476/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 278 together.

At present the Naval Service is equipped with a total of seven vessels comprising one helicopter carrying patrol vessel, four off-shore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. The Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed at all areas of Irish waters as necessary. Fishery protection patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps in the form of aerial surveillance by the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft.

As I outlined previously to the House, the EU has introduced a five year programme of financial aid towards the cost of measures to enforce the common fisheries policy. Approximately £1.35 million was committed by the Department on EU-funded projects in 1996. The position in relation to the programme for 1997 is that Ireland's submission provides for a down payment on an additional naval patrol vessel. Requests for proposals for the supply of an additional vessel were advertised in the official journal of the European Community. The deadline for receipt of proposals was 10 January 1997. The proposals received are currently being assessed with a view to developing a shortlist of suitable tenderers who will be invited to submit definitive tenders for the supply of the vessel. It is anticipated that the Department will be in a position to place a contract in the latter half of this year.

The Commission is currently considering Ireland's application in conjunction with those of other member states and indications are that a decision will be made by the middle of March on the level of funding to be made available in 1997. Pending the implementation of the five year programme the Naval Service will continue to carry out its various roles using the existing seven patrol vessels. Two of these vessels were refurbished in recent years and another is currently undergoing a major overhaul to replace and refurbish obsolete or deteriorated equipment and extend its operational life. A further vessel will undergo similar refurbishment commencing in August next.