asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether any arrangements have yet been made for a mail boat service from Baltimore to Cape Clear, and whether, in view of the urgency of this matter, immediate steps will be taken to provide a suitable service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cape Clear Mail Boat Service.
The boat being used for this service was given to the mails contractor on certain conditions in 1931. As the boat was in a bad state and unseaworthy in November, 1939, it was put out of commission. The question of repairing the boat and making it available for the service again is being examined at present, but in the meantime the onus of getting alternative carrying accommodation for the mail service rests on the mail contractor.
Will the Minister say when the permanent service is likely to be re-instituted there? Why was the permanent service cut off?
The mails service is being maintained but, as I have previously explained, the boat which was being used for this purpose fell into disrepair and was found to be unseaworthy in 1939. Consequently the Department could not accept any responsibility for its continuance in that condition. Pending its repair, it is considered unsafe to allow that boat to be used, especially as passengers have been accommodated on it from time to time.
Is the boat being worked by a private contractor or by the Post Office?
This boat was made available for the mails contractor by arrangement.