asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether it is a fact that Irish Shipping Limited has been forced by lack of freight for their ships to charter out some of the vessels to other countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Shipping Limited.
The day to day operation of Irish Shipping Limited, which may include the chartering of vessels, is entirely a matter for the company. I am aware, however, that some vessels of Irish Shipping Limited are on charter. This is normal shipping practice and as additional vessels are added to the fleet of Irish Shipping Limited it is likely to grow.
Is it not a fact that certain shipping monopolies, controlled outside this country, can by deficit budgeting in their company exclude Irish ships from shipping into this country? Is the Minister going to allow that situation to continue? We had to go through the last war and know what these monopolies did with their ships when difficulty arose. Is the Minister not going to ensure now that at least Irish manufacturers importing raw materials under protective tariffs and quotas and supported and helped by the State would be compelled in some way to use Irish shipping rather than to continue the use of these monopolies?
I am not quite clear what the Deputy is talking about. I am quite clear that I hope to see Irish shipping developing in order that they will normally be employed on charter. It is not essential that these ships should be employed in Irish trade. The only way in which we can build up a profitable mercantile marine is by following the lines other countries have adopted.
Is the Minister going to allow a continuation of the type of monopoly that left us without adequate shipping during the emergency?
The Deputy need not worry. Irish shipping is well able to compete.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that with your permission I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.