asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the steps his Department are taking to ensure that Irish goods are available on the car ferries between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Goods on Car Ferries.
12.
I have personally brought to the attention of all the State companies under the aegis of my Department the need for active and sustained support of the Government's programme for the promotion of Irish goods. I am satisfied that the B & I Company—the State owned company which operates car ferries between Ireland and the United Kingdom—gives full support to this policy in the operation of its services.
I am also satisfied the B & I Company give that support. Can the Minister say whether Irish whiskey is available in the duty-free shop on the ferry between Fishguard and Rosslare?
The Deputy was Minister in my Department and he will know I have no function in respect of British Rail. Nevertheless, I have been in touch with them about this matter. I am now informed by British Rail that it is the policy to have Irish goods on sale. They experienced some teething problems when the duty-free scheme was introduced and there may have been occasions when Irish whiskey was not available. They will ensure that it is available now.
Any father of a family will know whiskey is very good for teething problems. Is the Minister sure Irish whiskey is now available? I understand the Minister has no function in this matter but a telephone call from the Minister to the person in charge of the company in question would expedite the stocking of Irish whiskey in the duty-free shop on that ferry.
Obviously I had to be in touch with British Rail when the Deputy's question was put down, apart from other considerations.