asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the increasing number of Irish registered ships and in view of Ireland's geographical position he will consider requesting Irish Shipping, Limited, to examine the possibility of acquiring and operating one or more modern ocean-going salvage tugs to be operated by Irish Shipping, Limited, on a commercial basis, for salvage work and which would, in addition, be available in case of emergency to provide relief service to islands off our western seaboard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ocean-Going Salvage Tugs.
The operation of ocean-going salvage tugs is a highly specialised business which, I understand, is not normally undertaken by shipping companies engaged in the carrying trade. Furthermore, Irish Shipping, Limited, are already fully committed to an extensive buildingprogramme, which includes an oil tanker as well as a number of cargo vessels, and it would not be opportune at present to ask them to undertake the examination suggested.
I would, however, welcome proposals from private interests for the development on a commercial basis of an Irish-owned salvage business.