andMr. Yates asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will carefully consider the implications for Rosslare Port, County Wexford and the existing ferry services there, if further financial support is given to Swansea-Cork Ferries; if he will outline the long term consequences of the Government taking equity in this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Rosslare (Wexford) Port.
82.
As I indicated to the House on 16 November 1988, I have conveyed to Swansea-Cork Ferries Limited that the Government would be prepared to consider an Exchequer grant to assist them in marketing and promoting a service for the summer season of 1989, subject to submission by them of acceptable proposals for viable operation in 1989.
I do not accept that a viable Cork-Swansea ferry service should necessarily have adverse implications for other port or ferry operators. It is a matter for all the ferry operators to respond vigorously to challenges in the market place and to expand the total number of tourists using the ferries.
The Government have no equity participation in Swansea-Cork Ferries Limited nor do they have any plans for such participation.