asked the Minister for Transport and Power the amount of the subsidy paid to CIE for steamer services to the island of Inishmore for the years 1950, 1960, 1969 and 1970.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Steamer Services.
6.
The amount paid by the State to the Galway Bay Steamboat Company Limited in respect of the operation of the Galway/Aran service in the year ended 31st March, 1950, was £4,524.
Between 1951 and 1969 the service was operated by CIE with the vessel Naomh Eanna. A separate subsidy is not paid to CIE in respect of the losses incurred on this service. These losses are included in the net deficit on the board's operations as a whole, towards which the annual grant payable to the board under transport legislation is available. The operating losses incurred by CIE on the Galway/Aran service in the years ended 31st March, 1960, and 31st March, 1969, were £9,112 and £18,750 respectively.
In addition to the service provided by the Naomh Eanna, CIE have for the past two years chartered the vessel Galway Bay during the summer season to help cater for tourist traffic to Inishmore. The operating loss incurred by CIE on the Galway/Aran service in the year ended 31st March, 1970 was £17,029. In addition a special grant of £14,863 was paid to CIE by Roinn na Gaeltachta in respect of the losses involved in the charter and operation of the Galway Bay.
In view of the important role these boats play in tourism would the Minister ensure that the grant continues to be paid for the ferry boat Galway Bay in the coming season?
This hardly arises on this question.
Can the Minister indicate whether there is a hope for the people of the island that this grant will continue because this represents their bread and butter.
The Government, as they have always done, will continue to look after the people of the island.
As they have——
I am calling Question No. 7.
I want to clarify the Minister's reply. May I take it the service will be continued?