andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a statement that an order for a new ship is expected shortly by Verolme Cork Dockyard; and if he will give particulars.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Verolme Dockyard: New Ship Order.
54.
I have seen press reports of the statement referred to in the question. I do not consider it appropriate that the company should be asked for information, for publication by me, about its affairs.
I am sure the Minister is aware that there was very grave disquiet in the dockyard as a result of an earlier statement made by the same man and, in view of that position, would the Minister press the company to give the information as to a new ship, if there is such, as soon as possible in order to try to allay the disquiet that exists in the dockyard at the moment?
I am in very close touch with the proprietors of this dockyard and am giving them every facility open to me in order to enable them to procure new orders. I can assure the Deputy, that as soon as a programme of new orders is available, it will be published in due course.