asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport in view of the shortage of work at Verolme Dockyard, Cork, if he will (a) encourage B + I to finalise the contract for the new car ferry, (b) arrange for high quality safe oil tankers to be built for Irish Shipping here.
Written Answers. - Verolme Dockyard Employment.
256.
(1) The question of the construction of a new car ferry at Verolme Cork Dockyard is receiving urgent consideration in my Department at present. The question of providing a new order to maintain employment at Verolme Cork Dockyard is a major factor in this examination.
(2) Due to the continuing world surplus of oil tankers and consequential depressed freight rates, Irish Shipping are not considering the acquisition of oil tankers at the present. However the acquestion of new tonnage is kept constantly under review by the company and should the world situation change the question of the construction of new tankers would receive fresh consideration.