asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the urgency of the problem of providing bunkering facilities in Cobh Harbour, with particular regard to naval requirements, and the importance of the provision of bunkering facilities in our principal port, he will have this matter investigated immediately by his Department and treated as a matter of extreme urgency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bunkering Facilities—Cobh Harbour.
I presume that the Deputy has in mind the bunkering of oil-fired vessels. So far as vessels of the naval service are concerned, consideration is being given to the utilisation, as soon as possible, of the oil storage facilities on Haulbowline Island for this purpose. I have no function in regard to the provision of commercial bunkering facilities, but I am prepared to consider favourably applications for a fresh lease of the oil storage installations at Haulbowline. The existing lease of the property will terminate in April, 1952.
The Minister is, of course, aware that these people have given notification that they are giving up this service and that these oil tanks are the property of the Department of Defence. In view of that, and in view of the fact that at present corvettes based in Haulbowline have to come to Dublin even for a gallon of oil when they want to go to sea, does the Minister not agree that the position is altogether unsatisfactory? It is an urgent question.
Give the Minister a chance.
That is an exaggeration——
You had a chance long enough.
I was saying that there was a slight exaggeration in the statement of Deputy Corry. The question will probably be settled and I hope favourably settled, because we all realise the necessity of a settlement equally with Deputy Corry and other Deputies who have come to me in connection with this question, but until such time as we can secure the property, we may not be able to provide these facilities, however anxious we may be to do so.
Will the Minister guarantee that we will have no war in the meantime?
I will take other steps if that should arise.