asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the commitment in the Anglo-Irish Agreement to promoting economic development in both parts of Ireland, he will raise through the Anglo-Irish Conference the proposal to build a 16,000 tonne cruise liner at Harland and Wolff shipyard; if he will urge the British Government to provide the necessary financial subsidies to enable the project to go ahead; the ways in which the Irish Government or semi-State bodies could assist in securing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ship Building Project.
8.
I understand that the proposal to build a cruise liner at Harland and Wolff is still at an early stage. We are not privy to the considerations involved. However, we naturally welcome any development which would secure existing employment or lead to the creation of more jobs in Northern Ireland.
I thank the Taoiseach for his assurance that he welcomes the project. The question specifically refers to the Anglo-Irish Agreement and the commitment therein that both Governments will co-operate to ensure economic development in both parts of the country, particularly in areas badly hit by the strife over the past 20 years. Would the Taoiseach raise, or arrange to have raised, at the earliest possible opportunity the issue of supporting and urging the British Government to support the cruise liner project?
As the Deputy knows, in contracts of this size and importance one must proceed carefully and with sensitivity. I would rather at this stage leave it that the British Government are well aware of our anxieties about the provision of increased employment in Belfast and, indeed, throughout the North of Ireland. If there is any action that might appear to us to be helpful to take at any stage, we shall take that action.
A final question from Deputy De Rossa.
I appreciate that the negotiations with regard to these projects can be sensitive, but a preliminary contract has already been signed, according to reports. Therefore the basic information and the basic acceptability of this project have already been assessed. What has been intimated to me——
I am sorry, Deputy, but I am awaiting a question.
I am coming to the question, a Cheann Comhairle. It has been indicated to me that there is concern among the workforce in Harland and Wolff that the money will not be made available, which money is needed for the project. In those circumstances, would the Taoiseach not specifically make representations to the British Government——
The Deputy has already put that question. He is engaging in repetition.
Would the Taoiseach also see if the International Fund set up under the Anglo-Irish Agreement could be used to assist?
As the Deputy is aware, the matter is at a sensitive stage. I do not think that I would like to comment further on it, except to say that, of course, we all hope that Harland and Wolff will be successful in getting this contract. The British Government are well aware of our hopes in the matter. It is better just to leave it at that for the moment and let matters take their course.