asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of ships (a) registered in the Republic of Ireland, and (b) owned by Irish nationals and registered outside the Republic of Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Registration of Ships.
At the 30th September, 1951, there were 480 vessels of 15 tons net and over on the Irish register including 263 fishing boats. There were 1,452 vessels on the Irish Fishing Boat Register including the 263 boats of 15 tons net and over. This makes a total of 1,669 Irish-registered vessels.
An Irish citizen or a company incorporated in the State is not required by law to furnish particulars of their vessels registered outside the State. I am aware, however, that there are at least ten vessels of a total deadweight tonnage of 9,466 tons, the property of Irish citizens or of Irish companies, registered outside the State.
Will the Minister give any indication as to why the position is so, as to why Irish-owned ships should be registered outside the State?
I can give a number of reasons. I would not regard it as a desirable situation.
I should think not.