Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
233 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the proposed closure of a service (details supplied) to France from Rosslare due to the apparent unfair subsidy given to a company (details supplied) by the French Government; his action to date to safe guard the jobs; the meetings that have taken place dealing with this issue; and the results of same. [29134/04]
View answerIrish Continental Group announced on 20 October 2004, that it is restructuring, not ending, its Ireland-France ferry service.
I understand that the current service will end on 30 November 2004, and that a new service will be introduced in March 2005. I have met both with local public representatives and with union representatives to consider the company's announcement and I have also spoken with the company.
Irish Continental Group alerted the Department in 2002 to their concerns that another shipping company planning to operate an Ireland-France ferry service may have received inappropriate State aid.
My predecessor as Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, raised the matter with the European Commission, which investigated Irish Continental Group's complaint. I understand that its investigation did not lead to any further action being taken by the Commission. I have written to the Commissioner designate for competition, seeking a meeting with her at an appropriate time to discuss ferry operations on the Ireland to France route.
The availability of a year-round ferry service to France is a valuable element in our trade and tourism links with the Continent. It is a means of avoiding the UK land bridge, through affording cost effective alternatives to our importers and exporters, and the Government is supportive of its retention.
