asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the cost of construction of the 900 ton diesel ship Dalkey Coast, built by a German firm of shipbuilders at Trave Luebeck for a shipping firm: and whether it is possible to have a vessel of that size constructed in Irish shipyards; and, if so, if he will ensure that, in future, contracts for the building of such ships will be placed with Irish firms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shipbuilding Contracts.
It would not be in order for me to give the information asked for in the first part of the question as it relates to a commercial transaction of a private concern.
As regards the second part, my information is that it is possible to have a vessel of the size in question constructed in an Irish shipyard. The Deputy will appreciate that various factors have to be considered by those concerned in the placing of such contracts, and, while I wish to see all possible contracts being placed with Irish firms, I have no power to enforce in private commercial transactions conditions of the kind suggested by the Deputy.
Can the Minister say if tenders were invited from Irish shipyards before the contract was placed abroad?
I have no information.