asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a large number of men were recently laid off in Belfast shipyards, and, if so, if he will request Irish Shipping, Limited, to give preference in future to Belfast shipyards over foreign shipyards when placing orders for ships.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Preference for Belfast Shipyards.
I have seen Press reports that there is unemployment in Belfast shipyards at present.
I am informed by Irish Shipping, Limited, that they have always invited Belfast shipyards to tender for the building of their larger vessels, which could not be built in Dublin, and I have no doubt that they will do so again as occasion may require.