Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:12 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport his Department's policy for the future development of B & I; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of B & I.
During the recent passage through the Oireachtas of the B & I Line Act, 1990, I announced my intention to carry out a review of the future options for the B & I. The main objective of this review, which is already under way in full consultation with the company, is to determine how soon B & I's dependence on Exchequer financial support can be ended. The achievement of that objective is in the best interests both of the Irish economy and of the company itself. I must stress that I am not looking at any particular option at present. I will choose the best option in due course, depending on the outcome of the review.
Will the Minister inform the House whether he is in receipt of the blueprint by CIE which was promised to be submitted to the Government and, if so, will he give the House some idea as to the proposals of B & I on that?
B & I have not yet formally presented me with their report which I have asked for on the matter. A draft of their current thinking on it has been made available to me by the company and I have had an opportunity to look at that but I would prefer to wait until I have their full formal report. They are still talking to my Department about elements of the report and I understand the board want to have another bite at it before they present me with the formal report which, I understand, will lay out options which they see for the future of the company.