Vol. 442 No. 2
111 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine the measures, if any, he is taking to protect and expand jobs in Irish shipping companies operating out of Dublin Port; and the impact he considers the planned development in Dún Laoghaire Harbour will have on domestic employment in Dublin Port.
In line with the Programme for Government, I am reviewing ways in which the operating climate for the Irish shipping sector can be enhanced to support the objectives of improved services, standards, modernisation and the ability to compete of the Irish-registered fleet.
The strategic objective is to enable Irish shipping companies to meet international competition under comparable cost conditions but without compromising on safety. The intention is to ensure the maintenance and creation of employment in the sector and to facilitate productive investment to modernise and expand the fleet.
The review is being conducted in full consultation with the industry. However, to further inform this process the Department plans to commission an economic evaluation of the sector shortly which will also address the case for additional support measures conducive to an efficient and competitive shipping industry.
