Vol. 559 No. 6
158 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to foster expansion and competition on sea routes in and out of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22493/02]
A number of competing private sector shipping companies provide shipping services to serve Irish importers and exporters. These companies have been innovative in their provision of jumbo ferries, fast ferries and dedicated container ships to serve the growing Irish economy.
At present there is no lack of shipping capacity on the sea routes serving Ireland and competition exists between ship operators, ports and port terminals.
The Irish shipping and shipping services sector has its own statutory development office, the Irish Maritime Development Office which operates with the following remit: to promote and assist the development of Irish shipping and Irish shipping services; to promote Ireland as a centre for ship registration; to develop and implement a strategic framework for the shipping industry and its ancillary service sector; and to liaise with and support the industry and advise on policy initiatives and overhaul of the legislative framework for the mercantile marine so as to underpin industrial development and safeguard and generate employment.
An expert advisory group advises the IMDO. The group comprises representatives of the shipping industry and shipping services sector, IDA Ireland, independent financial, legal and business people and Departments.
The IMDO provides the Government with the means to address any issues of concern which might arise regarding the adequacy of shipping capacity serving the Irish economy.
The EU Commission's approval this month for the introduction of a tonnage tax in Ireland, as an alternative to corporation tax, augmenting the existing beneficial fiscal regime, will strongly boost the competitiveness of the Irish nautical fleet.
