asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to reports that the Cork to Swansea car ferry service is being poorly supported from the Cork area; his views on whether the Government's contribution of £500,000 is adequate to prevent an operating loss in 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork-Swansea Ferry Service.
14.
As I said on 17 June in a written reply, my Department have disbursed a once-off grant of £500,000 to assist the start-up of the Cork-Swansea ferry service operated by Swansea Cork Ferries Ltd. My Department have no further involvement in the financial affairs of the company and it would not be appropriate for me to speculate on the likely financial performance of the company, or to comment on reports as to how the service is being supported.
I repeat the hope I expressed on 17 June that the service will be successful and thus be of benefit to the economy and to the south west region in particular. I am sure it has already proved so.
We all hope that the service will be successful but reports received last week were somewhat disturbing as it was said the service was not supported in Cork. If there are problems before the end of the tourist season, will the Minister and the Government be prepared to make additional moneys available?
The report indicated that there was heavy use of the ferry into Ireland and I particularly welcome that. I know that Kerry County Council, Cork County Council, Cork Corporation and the Welsh County Council at Swansea also subscribed and they expect to get business out of it. Having said that, the words of my reply stand, that my Department have disbursed a once-off grant of £500,000 this year. It would not be fruitful to make any further comment on the operations of this company at this stage.
That would seem to dispose of ordinary questions. We have reached that point rather earlier than anticipated. Is the House ready to proceed with questions nominated for priority? The Minister is in possession and the Deputies are in possession. Shall we proceed? Agreed.