§ John ThursoTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was contributed by the General Lighthouse Fund to navigational aids in the territorial waters of the Republic of Ireland in each of the last 10 years; and what the future estimate is of contributions over the next three years. [166056]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe contribution from the General Lighthouse Fund to the provision of navigational aids in the Republic of Ireland is as follows:
GBP £ million 1994–05 4.8 1995–06 4.7 1996–07 4.3 1997–08 4.0 1998–09 4.3 1999–2000 4.9 2000–01 4.4 2001–02 5.5 2002–03 5.8 2003–04 5.9 Average 4.8 The contribution is expected to be in the region of £6 million to £7 million per annum over the next three years dependent on exchange rates and decisions on capital investment.
§ John ThursoTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made with negotiations with the Irish Government on the cessation of payments from the UK General Lighthouse Fund for the provision of navigational aids in Irish territorial waters. [166057]
§ Mr. JamiesonWe accept that the Republic of Ireland should meet the full costs of provision of their aids to navigation. We remain committed to renegotiating the current agreement to achieve this and are arranging to meet the Irish Government in May to take the matter forward.