asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a shipping company (name supplied) were unable to give return accommodation to approximately 100 visitors from Wales on Sunday, 15th March; if he is aware of the possible serious effects such occurrences could have on the tourist industry; and if he will initiate discussions with the company concerned with a view to eliminating the possibility of a recurrence during the forthcoming tourist season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shipping Passenger Accommodation.
81.
I have made inquiries about the incident referred to in the Deputy's question and I have obtained a report in the matter.
The company concerned arranged a special return excursion from Fishguard to Dún Laoghaire on Saturday, 14th March, 1970, in connection with the Ireland/Wales Rugby International and the passengers were scheduled to return to Fishguard via Rosslare on the same date. A number of the passengers failed to present themselves for the return journey from Rosslare even though special trains had been provided to bring them from Dublin. Instead they went to Dún Laoghaire on Sunday, 15th March, 1970, in the hope of joining another special sailing to Fishguard for which they did not hold tickets. As this sailing was already heavily booked, it was not possible to accommodate everybody and 89 persons, who did not hold tickets for that sailing, were left behind. The company, nevertheless, made special arrangements to transport the 89 persons to Rosslare and provided an extra sailing to take them to Fishguard on the night of Sunday, 15th March, 1970.
The circumstances which gave rise to the situation in this case were outside the control of the company concerned but they took every possible step to deal with it. The need for discussions with the company does not therefore arise.