asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether, in view of Cobh being the principal port of call in this country for Atlantic liners bringing tourists from the U.S.A. and bringing emigrants and tourists to America, he will give a substantial grant to improve the present facilities available in the customs shed and ancillary buildings to clear passengers expeditiously.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Facilities at Cobh.
This was among the matters raised by a deputation which I received in December last. Facilities for customs examination and clearance must, under Section 59 of the Harbours Act, 1946, be provided by the harbour authority. I have discussed the position with the Minister for Finance, who is in full agreement with the view I expressed to the deputation that any better facilities considered necessary at Cobh should be provided by the harbour authority and other interested parties.
Did not the Minister, in reply to the deputation, state that this was a matter for private enterprise?
I said it was a matter for the harbour authorities and for any other interested parties.
The Minister, in his reply to the Cork Tourist Association, stated that all these matters were matters for private enterprise.
I did not.
Is the position this, that if the Cork Harbour Authority fails to provide suitable facilities at Cobh, the Minister considers he has no function in the matter?
It was the Deputy who was responsible for the 1946 Act, not I.
I am not trying to make a point. Will the Minister agree that, as this is the port through which a large number of persons pass every year, it is desirable there should be suitable facilities, and there is upon him some obligation to ensure that these facilities are provided, if not by the harbour authority, then otherwise.
If the Deputy is suggesting that I should ascertain whether I have power to force the harbour authority to provide adequate facilities, and enforce it, I will consider that suggestion.
The Minister also has power to give them a grant.