Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 4

Written Answers. - Cork-Roscoff Ferry Service.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

36 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Marine the progress, if any, that has made in settling the complaint lodged by Irish Ferries at European Commission level regarding persistent attempts by the French authorities to block them operating a service between Cork and Roscoff; the views, if any, he has on the role played by Brittany Ferries in this dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6616/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Coveney)

While I am reluctant to say anything at this juncture which might jeopardise an amicable settlement, it is nevertheless the case that, since the complaint was first lodged by Irish Ferries with the EU Commission, attempts to settle the complaint have proceeded with remarkable speed at the European Commission. Time is a critical factor in this particular case and the seasonal nature of the industry is an added reason for urgency. My Department with the assistance of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Enterprise and Employment have been very actively involved in progressing the issue.

If an amicable and workable solution cannot be reached shortly between the two sides, I confidently expect that the Commission, which has the competency to take interim measures, will take a decision very speedily to resolve matters for the 1995 summer season. In this context an Advisory Committee on which all EU member states are represented will be meeting shortly under the auspices of the EU Commission to consider the issue. The final decision is a matter for the Commission.