asked the Minister for Communications the State equity injection in the B & I Steampacket Company Limited, Irish Shipping Limited, Aer Lingus-Aer Linte during 1983; and if he will make a statement on his policy for 1984 in this regard.
43.
Written Answers. - State Equity Funds.
43.
The Minister for Finance increased his shareholdings in the B & I and Irish Shipping Limited by £6.5 million and £3.5 million respectively in 1983. A further shareholding of £4 million was taken up in the B & I Company in 1984. I will shortly be making a submission to the Government on future policy in relation to the B & I.
As part of a financial restructuring package for the air companies decided upon by the Government in February 1983, an equity investment of £30 million has been made in Aer Linte Éireann Teoranta, £15 million of which was made in 1983 and a further £15 million in 1984. No further equity moneys are due to be paid to the air companies under the financial restructuring package.