asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will comment on the decision of British Rail to reduce by half its sailings on the Fishguard-Rosslare route during the coming summer; and if any discussions on the matter have taken place between his Department and the company.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishguard-Rosslare Sailings.
13.
My Department maintains liaison with all the transport companies operating to and from Ireland and there have been consultations and exchanges of information with British Rail, both directly and through Bord Fáilte, about the situation on the cross-Channel car ferry routes.
I understand that British Rail intended to operate four round trips a day on their Fishguard-Rosslare service between mid-May and September, 1972. They informed me, however, that bookings so far this year are down by 65 per cent as compared with last year. They, therefore, had to review their plans and decided that two rounds trips a day would be adequate to cater for likely traffic demands. While I am disappointed that the need should arise for a curtailment in tourist transport capacity from Great Britain, I recognise that carriers must take full account of the traffic offering in settling the frequency of services.
Mr. O'Donnell
Is the Minister aware that the situation in the British market is declining rapidly? Is he aware of the lunatic action of one of the directors of Bord Fáilte who went on television on Thursday evening last and advised the people of England not to come here, particularly if they were bringing their children with them? Does the Minister propose to take any action on this matter?
This does not arise on the question.
I share the Deputy's anxiety about the comments that were made and I am investigating the matter fully.
Mr. O'Donnell
This man is not fit to be a director.
I want to have the matter fully investigated first.
Mr. O'Donnell
It was a lunatic act.