asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, apart from the efforts of Irish Shipping in the matter, any proposals are before him to provide for the restoration of the Rosslare-Le Havre ferry service.
24.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rosslare-Le Havre Ferry Service.
23.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the outcome of the negotiations which took place on 17th November in connection with the Rosslare to Le Havre ferry service.
25.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has seen statements from a number of organisations in the south-east expressing concern about the important passenger link from Rosslare Harbour to Le Havre; if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will say if there are any prospects of procuring a suitable ship to continue this service in 1972.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 24 and 25 together.
Immediately it became known that Normandy Ferries were withdrawing the Rosslare-Le Havre service I instructed the State-sponsored shipping companies and Bord Fáilte to explore every possibility of ensuring that a service would continue on this route. I impressed on them the importance of maintaining this link with the Continent in the interests of our tourist trade. Since then the companies have been making exhaustive inquiries but so far without success. The only inquiries still outstanding are those being undertaken by Irish Shipping Ltd., who are still trying to ensure that some arrangement can be made with another car ferry operator to provide a service in 1973 if not in 1972. The discussions which Irish Shipping Ltd. had with Normandy Ferries on 17th November were inconclusive and will be resumed shortly.
Would the Government not consider providing a subsidy so that our tourist industry would have the advantage of the delivery here of tourists, with their cars, direct from the Continent if all else fails?
The Minister is examining every aspect of this. I could not reply about the question of the subsidy. I do not think that is in the Minister's mind at the moment.
Will the Minister say whether there is a suitable ship available at the moment for purchase or charter?
As I understand it, from the information here, there is no suitable ship available at the moment. There was a ship mentioned in an Irish newspaper, but apparently it is not known whether the offer for this vessel is a genuine one or not.
Can we take it that the Government will pursue this extremely important matter to the very end?
Oh, yes. The Minister is pursuing it and he has had numerous discussions with the shipping companies concerned.