asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether the present slump in world shipping freight traffic is having an adverse effect on Irish Shipping, Limited, and, if so, whether, instead of the present practical monopoly being exercised by foreign shipping steps will be taken to utilise ships which may become idle as a result of this slump for direct travel between Irish and foreign ports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slump in Shipping Traffic.
The fall in shipping freight rates has affected Irish Shipping, Limited, in common with shipowners throughout the world.
What the Deputy may have in mind in the second part of his question is not very clear but it is to be assumed that the company will examine any practicable possibilities of utilising their ships wherever cargo offers.
Is it not a fact that our increasing export trade demands the use of ships and would it not be more desirable under the circumstances to utilise Irish ships for direct contact with foreign ports rather than have the Irish ships laid up in port at the moment while the traffic is carried by cross-Channel shipping concerns?
Irish Shipping Limited do run direct shipping services to ports where the traffic available sufficiently justifies it. Presumably, if they can expand the operation of these services, they will be glad to do so.
At the moment we have one Irish ship laid up and the possibility is that more will be laid up in the near future. Is there any effort being made to get the necessary constant trade between Irish ports and foreign ports so that these ships will not be laid up?
The Deputy can assume that every effort is being made to get for the company's ships all the trade that can be got.
No. 9.
Is it not a fact that——
I am calling No. 9.