asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if further to my question of the 11th November, 1953, regarding the provision of a direct passenger steamship service between Ireland and the Continent, he will make representations to a commercial concern for the provision of such facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Steamship Service to Continent.
Certain representations which were made to me in this matter were referred to the Irish Shipowners' Association for the consideration of their members, who are aware of my interest in the expansion of Irish shipping services.
I wonder is the Minister aware that most of the travel agencies in Ireland, composed mostly of hard-headed and practical business men, are of opinion that a passengerservice between Ireland and the Continent, particularly during the tourist period, would be a paying proposition? In view of that, and also in view of the fact that An Bord Fáilte and Fógra Fáilte expend rather considerable sums of money on publicising the attractions in Ireland for the benefit of visitors or potential visitors from Europe, would he not consider that it is desirable to make available to those visitors means of transport to this country? Surely we do not expect them to arrive on a broomstick?
I do not disagree with that view but I want to make it clear that the State is not going into the business.
Is there any hope that private enterprise or commercial shipping can be interested in that? Is the Minister aware that there is a line at present between Belgium and Spain, and I believe the company, if asked by responsible authorities, would be in favour of extending their service to Ireland in addition to the line they are running between Belgium and Spain?
Certain private interests have made suggestions bearing upon this matter but whether they will go ahead with them or not I do not know.
Is Deputy McQuillan not aware that there is a weekly sailing for passengers between the Continent and the port of Drogheda?
There is no accommodation for tourists from the Continent to Ireland. That is what I mean.