Deputy Durkan was in possession.
Supplementary Estimates, 1991. - B & I Line Bill, 1991: Second Stage (Resumed).
Question again proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time".
Debate resumed on amendment No. 1:
To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following:
"Dáil Éireann believing:
(1) that the proposed sale of the B & I Line to Irish Continental Group is not in the interests of the company, the employees, or the tourism and transport needs of the country,
(2) that the Government should have accepted the proposed management/worker buy-out,
(3) that the failure to make provision for the retention of any public share in the company means that the Government will not be in any position to influence crucial decisions which may have a major impact on transport and tourism,
declines to give a second reading to the Bill."
—(Deputy Byrne.)
I was referring to what Deputy Dennehy said about crocodile tears being shed on this side of the House. He compared our present stance with our alleged position in the mid-eighties in relation to Irish Shipping. His party made serious, carefully thought out promises at that time. In the time that elapsed since those promises were made, absolutely nothing has happened. The attitude of his party at that time contributed greatly to the erosion of public confidence in the political system. It was because action was not taken soon enough that a group of people were left in serious difficulties. They were let down by those who made promises to them. It would have been better for Deputy Dennehy not to have mentioned that incident.
I have no ideological hang-up on the question of using private or public transport. However, it is essential from the point of view of the country, the business sector, holiday makers and the general public that there should be ready access to the continent of Europe. It is essential that we have a reliable means of gaining access.
A considerable amount of time has been spent over the last few hours discussing the various corridors and which one should be used. As a member of the Joint Committee on the Secondary Legislation of the European Communities I know we are now the only country cut off entirely from Europe. It is even more important to us to have a system of sea transport that will give all the people, North and South, ready access to the continent of Europe and access to this country for continentals. Businesses cannot survive unless that access is provided.
The best means of access to Europe must, from our point of view, be by means of a good sea transport system. Our friends in the UK have the channel tunnel but I believe that events will prove that a sea bridge system will be much better, will be less likely to be clogged up and, probably, will prove to be cheaper. Deputy Dennehy spent some time setting out the merits of the Cork-Swansea route — I have no doubt that they are meritorious and will stand up to scrutiny — but notwithstanding this——
Deputy Durkan will have to reserve his praise of Deputy Dennehy until he resumes. I ask him to move the Adjournment of the debate.
Debate adjourned.