asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has had reports to the effect that the Rosslare-Le Havre service now provided by Normandy Ferries Ltd. is to be withdrawn for the 1972 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
14.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ferry Service Withdrawal.
13.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the reasons for discontinuing the Rosslare-Le Havre ferry service; and what steps will be taken to provide an alternative service.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
I am informed by Irish Shipping Ltd. that the British and French companies, the General Steam Navigation Company and Société Anonyme de Gérance et d'Armement—SAGA— who, in association with Irish Shipping Ltd., operated the Rosslare-Le Havre car ferry service of Normandy Ferries, have decided to withdraw their ships from this service at the end of the present season. These companies have indicated that they wish to concentrate their ships on the routes which they operate from Southampton to the Continent.
Irish Shipping Ltd. are exploring the possibility of providing a substitute service in good time for next year and I am keeping in touch with developments.
Mr. O'Donnell
In view of the vital importance of a ferry service link with the Continent, can we take it it is the Government's intention to see to it that if an independent operator will not operate the service, one of the State shipping companies will provide such a service?
I am pursuing this possibility very hard not alone with Irish Shipping Limited but also with the B & I, seeking to provide some form of alternative means in substitution for the combined British-French operation that decided not to continue this service.
Will the Minister not agree that considerable facilities were made available for these shipping companies, and does he consider it right that they should now withdraw their service?
This country was in their hands from the point of view of investment. Irish Shipping had no investment stake in this joint operation but carried some of the operational overheads. I am now pursuing directly with Irish Shipping and with the B & I every opening possible to secure a substitute service for next season.
Is the State not at a loss of the money they spent on behalf of these shipping companies who are now opting out?
The State have no financial stake in this shipping operation.
Who paid for the harbours?
That is a separate matter. I am speaking about the company itself.