asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to a suggestion that the Government should undertake the building of suitable passenger ships for traffic between Britain and Ireland in the interests of the tourist trade; and if he will state what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Passenger Ship Transport.
The question of further participation in the cross-Channel shipping trade has been under examination by Irish Shipping, Limited, for some time.
I have asked the company to expedite their examination of the matter. When I receive their report the whole question will be fully considered.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has considered the possibilities of the Government financing the building of a transatlantic liner suitable for the Irish-American traffic; and, if so, what decision he has come to in the matter.
I have asked Irish Shipping Limited to examine the possibility of that company providing a transatlantic passenger service. Until the examination has been completed and I have had an opportunity of considering the company's report, I will not be in a position to come to a decision on the possibility of providing such a service.