asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the continuing necessity for County Donegal workers to migrate to Scotland and the importance of the Scottish tourist trade to County Donegal, he will state the result of discussions between Bord Fáilte and the Burns and Laird Company on the possibility of either opening a new shipping line between Donegal and Glasgow or re-opening the Derry-Glasgow service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Shipping Service.
7.
Although representations have been made by Bord Fáilte to the Burns and Laird Company, I understand that there is no prospect that the company will resume passenger shipping services between Glasgow and Derry or Donegal. As I explained in reply to previous questions by the Deputy on this subject, the shipping company found itself unable to continue the Glasgow-Derry service for economic reasons. I understand that the alternative services between Glasgow and Donegal via the short sea routes are operating satisfactorily.
The general trend in cross-channel shipping is against the low-standard multi-purpose ship carrying livestock and general freight as well as passengers and cars. The present trend is towards modern drive-on/drive-off car ferry vessels capable of a quick turn-round and high utilisation. There is no likelihood of a reversal of this trend.
The only compliment I can pay the Parliamentary Secretary is that the reply has been very well drafted but it will not solve the transport problem in Donegal. Would the Parliamentary Secretary care to comment on the fact that when I raised this matter on 22nd November, the Minister for Transport and Power informed me that certain proposals were under active consideration by Bord Fáilte and Burns and Laird? I should like to know what is the result of these conversations?
I have just informed the Deputy.
Of what?
Of the result. That is what the Deputy asked me and that is what I have just told him. Does the Deputy want me to read the reply again?
I just want the Parliamentary Secretary to tell me what he said.
The Deputy has already complimented me on the reply and the best I can do is to give it again.
Question No. 8.
Further arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, I would like to know what is the substance of what he has said?
That the shipping company found itself unable to continue the Glasgow-Derry service for economic reasons and that the alternative service between Glasgow-Donegal via the short sea routes is operating satisfactorily.
We cannot have a debate on this particular question.
This is a very major matter in County Donegal.
The Deputy has been allowed four supplementaries.
I have been allowed only one, and as I think this is a question of major importance for the tourist industry in Donegal, I want to protest through the Chair to the Minister on the inactivity of the Minister.
I have called Question No. 8.
With your permission, Sir, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Deputy may give notice next week.
I wish to give notice now.
It is too late to give notice at this time. The Deputy may not monopolise Question Time.
I protest in the strongest possible manner at the way in which the Chair is trying to silence me. It is quite obvious to every Member of the House that the Chair is taking a pick at me. In spite of that, I shall give vent to my views and I shall not be as obstructive as the Chair is.
I am not obstructive; I am being helpful.
You are being most obstructive.
If the Deputy wishes——
As a matter of importance, does the Parliamentary Secretary really——
I have called Question No. 8.
Does he really believe——
(Interruptions.)
Order. Question No. 8.