asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is prepared to make a ministerial order or introduce proposals for legislation to make it compulsory to have Irish owned ships repaired in Rûshbrook Dockyard, Cobh.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of Irish Ships.
Whilst I am prepared to encourage Irish shipowners to have any necessary ship repairs carried out at yards in the State, I do not think it would be desirable to introduce legislation to compel owners to have repairs carried out by one specified firm.
In view of the conditions that exist in the country at the moment would the Minister not consider it advisable to have this dockyard again developed and put on a working basis? We are in danger of a world war, and if such a thing should arise we are devoid of any shipyard.
This shipyard is being subsidised by Irish Shipping Limited.
That does not say that it is going to develop the business of that shipyard. I want an answer to the question.
It indicates that there are circumstances there which require examination, in view of the fact that there are other shipyards working without subsidy.
This is the only shipyard in the country.
And the dearest.