asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he has given his consent to the present practice of one of the major firms in the Shannon Industrial Area of importing its raw materials and exporting its products through the port of Larne, County Antrim; and whether, in view of the fact that this practice by the firm deprives ports in the Republic both of dues and of employment for port labour, and that the firm in question has been in receipt of considerable assistance from the State, he will take steps to ensure that this import and export business is carried on through a port within the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports and Exports through Larne Port.
13.
The firms established in the Shannon Industrial Estate operate on a commercial basis and they enjoy the same freedom of action in relation to transport as firms established elsewhere in the State. I have neither the power nor the inclination to alter this position.