asked the Minister for Transport the losses estimated to be incurred by the British and Irish Steampacket Company this year.
20.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - B and I Finances.
19.
asked the Minister for Transport if the financial difficulties encountered by other jetfoil operators have been encountered by the B and I shipping line; and if the project is still considered a sound investment of public money.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
The British and Irish Steampacket Company is forecasting a loss of £2.8 million in the current year.
The company, in common with other transport companies, has been affected by the general economic situation, high fuel costs and the decline in tourism. In addition the strike at Liverpool last spring cost the company almost £1 million. The unremunerative level of rates and fares due to keen competition on cross-channel routes was also a contributing factor.
As regards the Jetfoil, the craft was introduced on the Dublin-Liverpool route in May last, and in its initial season has had to operate in the difficult circumstances which affected transport operations generally in 1980. Carryings have exceeded 70,000 passengers and the B and I company have told me that they expect the service to make a positive contribution once the initial development period is completed.
In relation to No. 20, the operation of the Jetfoil, I should like to ask the Minister if, in view of the capital cost of this project, he or his senior Minister, has seen fit to ask for a detailed report from B and I on the operation of that service, particularly with reference to the number of accidents which put it out of operation.
It is normal practice for all matters concerning that service to be made available to the Department. Any accidents, or alleged accidents, are reported in the normal course of events.
The Minister will agree that it is not normal practice to introduce a new service with a new type of craft at a capital cost estimated in the region of £6 million. I should like the Minister to be a little abnormal in this instance. Could he ask for a specific report in relation to the operation of Jetfoil in its first season?
I would be delighted to get that information for the Deputy. I made the point about 70,000 passengers being carried. It is laid up now for the winter season. It will be brought back into service in the late spring.
It is in my constituency.
What specific information does the Deputy require?
I want to know whether the number of incidents which occurred and which put Jetfoil temporarily out of service, and which were related to operational difficulties, can be identified and analysed. Will the company be in a position next year with trained personnel to make sure that they do not recur?
I think the Deputy will be satisfied that the measures being taken by B & I in that regard will be adequate to meet the situation.
It is for me to decide whether I am satisfied. Just give me the information.