asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if sufficient finance will be made available to support the continuation of the Swansea-Cork ferry on an all-year round basis.
66.
Written Answers. - Swansea-Cork Route.
34.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if the Celtic Pride on the Cork-Swansea route is to receive a subsidy from the Government; and the way in which the B & I Shipping Company will be compensated for such subsidised competition.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 66 together.
It is a matter for Swansea Cork Ferries Limited to satisfy themselves that sufficient finance will be available to support whatever services the company wishes to provide. I have conveyed to the company that the Government would be prepared to consider an Exchequer grant to assist them in marketing and promoting a service for the summer season of 1989, subject to submission by them of acceptable proposals for viable operation in 1989.
As there is no question of a subsidy from the Government for Swansea Cork Ferries Limited or for any other ferry company, the question of compensation for B & I does not arise.