asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the operating loss since the date of purchase of the three German trawlers of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Operating Loss on Trawlers.
The annual reports published by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara show that the operating losses on the three trawlers operated by the board from the date of purchase up to 31st March, 1956, were as follows:—
|
£ |
|
|
1952-53 (3 months only) |
1,539 |
|
1953-54 |
15,402 |
|
1954-55 |
10,240 |
|
1955-56 |
11,221 |
|
making a total of |
38,402 |
In the last year one of the three trawlers operated on a profitable basis.
No audited figures are available for the financial year 1956-1957.
Could the Minister say how much of that money was for repairs?
Could the Minister not consider sending those boats down to West Cork where they would pay their way as all the other trawlers there are paying their way?
Is the Minister aware that most of these trawlers are quite incapable of making their way, without external assistance, as far as West Cork? One has lost its engine and one has an engine that will not go. The third sallies forth from time to time.
In reply to the Deputy, I suppose he is trying to make as good a story as he can out of this. A great many new plans have been brought into effect by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, most of which have well succeeded. The plan for the purchase of trawlers was linked up with the training scheme and other new facets of development. The trawlers were passed when examined by an independent valuer. Like other concerns, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara must occasionally meet with some failures, but, in general, their record has been a successful one. The whole matter has been investigated and in relation to the work as a whole performed by the board, I do not regard the losses incurred here as significant or as a matter for such extreme comment as that made by the Deputy.
I was only trying to assure the Deputy from Cork that he need not worry because these boats have failed to put in an appearance in West Cork.
How much of the money voted for these was spent on repairs?
I have not got the fugures.
Would the Minister indicate the profits made?
Neither have I got figures in relation to that question.