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Ferry Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004

Tuesday, 30 November 2004

Questions (235, 236)

John Perry

Question:

289 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has for the provision of a service that would accommodate the live cattle export trade, roll on-roll off vessels, which would greatly improve live exports; and the plans he has to seek European Commission approval to allow State aid in the sector as an island nation. [31533/04]

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Written answers

I understand the Deputy is referring to the P & O Irish Sea Ferries announcement that in December 2004 it is ending its ferry service between Rosslare and Cherbourg. The P & O service is provided by its ship, the European Diplomat, and cater, inter alia, for live cattle exports.

I have already met with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, to consider the implications of theP & O announcement.

The Irish Maritime Development Office, the State's development agency for the shipping and shipping services sector, which reports to me, has been tasked with seeking to facilitate the provision of a similar service.

With representatives of the livestock haulage sector and farmers representatives, the IMDO has been in contact with port and shipping sector interests in the above regard. These contacts are ongoing.

I have not been in communication with the EU Commission regarding the provision of State aid for a new Rosslare-Cherbourg ferry service. There is no reason at this stage to believe that the market cannot provide a suitable ferry service.

Procuring EU Commission approval for any new State aid for our maritime sector would take a long time. I am hopeful that a new ferry service can be introduced without such aid.

John Perry

Question:

290 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will list the composition of the Marine Institute membership. [31534/04]

View answer

I presume the Deputy is referring to the membership of the Board of the Marine Institute, which is as follows: Dr. J. P. Crowley, chairman; Mr. Fergus Cahill; Ms Terry Fleming; Mr. Joey Murrin; Ms Mary Dooley; Capt. Dave Hopkins; Mr. John O'Carroll; Mr. Sean O'Donohue; and Mr. Richie Flynn.

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