John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Government is financially supporting the marine research programmes on which Norway and Ireland are due to co-operate; the length of time co-operation is due to last between the two countries on this project; if the Government is financially supporting this co-operation, the length of time funding will last; and if funding will be increased if necessary for the programme. [23764/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The agreement for collaboration between the Marine Institute in Ireland and the Institute of Marine Research in Norway was set out in a memorandum of understanding signed on 15 June 2005. The programmes of research undertaken by the Marine Institute are funded through the annual grant made to it through the Department's Vote. The areas of collaboration include seabed, habitat and oceanographic surveys, fish farming and fish health, joint use of major equipment, exchange of personnel, collaboration on the ship time and best practice for the operation of research vessels. The collaboration will consist of creative exchange and facilities on approved national programmes at little additional cost to either partner.

Under the programme on fisheries acoustics, the annual blue whiting acoustic survey measures the size of the blue whiting stock as it aggregates to spawn off the west of Ireland. The RV Celtic Explorer, Ireland, and RV Geosars, Norway, work closely together and exchange personnel. The total cost of this project is €402,138, which is funded 50% by the Marine Institute and 50% by the EU. The survey fulfils Ireland's obligations under the EU data collection regulation, EU Council Regulation 1543/2000. The memorandum of understanding is in force for a four-year period and it is not anticipated that any funding additional to that approved annually for the Marine Institute's overall research programmes will be required. The collaboration is designed to be mutually beneficial and to enhance the quality of the research work undertaken, and it is anticipated that it will deliver considerable additional value for money.