asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the B & I Steam Packet Company propose to take over the British Railways Dock Depot at Dún Laoghaire; and, if so, what will be the employment position of the 500 workers now employed there by British Railways.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Railways Dock Depot.
9.
Dún Laoghaire Harbour and the mail boat and car ferry terminals and installations at the Harbour are owned by the State and are maintained and managed by the Office of Public Works. British Rail pay the customary dues for the use of these facilities. British Rail have no other premises in Dún Laoghaire. The B & I Company have no plans for the use of any of the facilities at Dún Laoghaire.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is proposed that the B & I Steam Packet Company are to take over some of the activities at present undertaken by British Railways and which have a big employment content?
There is no question of it.
The reason I ask is that there have been rumours to that effect, to the effect that there was to be a take-over and a consequent loss of employment.
Usually you do not have rumours of that kind unless there is some prospect of a by-election.
This is Dublin; it is not South Kerry or Waterford where people can be gulled. This is Dublin where you will get a different answer from the one you got last week. I would like a definite assurance to ease the minds of the workers concerned.
We do not believe the rumours.
Not alone do you believe in rumours but you create them when it suits you. I want the workers to be assured that there is no danger to their employment.
I can assure the Deputy that we are as worried about the workers as he is.
Are you giving me the assurance or are you not? Try to be straight.
Yes.