Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:75 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if, in relation to Galway city-Aran Islands ferry link, it is intended to pay a subsidy or provide other financial support for a private operator on this line; if so, the amount involved; if Irish Rail, who were the operators of the former ferry, the Naomh Éanna, were precluded from tendering; the amount of the subsidy paid to Irish Rail in respect of the last full year in which the Naomh Éanna operated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.