Seamus Brennan
Ceist:31 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will support Irish Ferries PLC in their effort to gain access to Roscoff Port; and the Government's policy on the matter. [8951/95]
Written Answers. - Port Access.
This case is concerned with two important principles of the Treaty of Rome i.e. freedom to provide maritime transport services between member states and freedom of competition within the EU.
Ireland operates an open ports policy. Ships of all nationalities are welcome in our ports provided they comply with international safety standards. This approach is in the best interest of our agriculture, trade and tourism. It also accords with the spirit and the letter of the Treaty. Brittany Ferries have been made welcome in Irish ports.
Healthy competition on the Ireland-Brittany routes is in the best interest of the consumer in Ireland, France and throughout the EU. My colleagues in Government and I have assisted Irish Ferries as far as possible during the past few months in this case through intervention at diplomatic, official and ministerial level.
Irish interests have been endeavouring at all times to resolve this issue by agreement reached through dialogue while upholding the terms of the Treaty. The Commission has just two days ago granted an interim measure to Irish Ferries allowing the company to commence services to Roscoff on 10 June 1995.