Vol. 480 No. 2
82 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that the operations of Bell Lines will continue in some format in future in a viable manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14015/97]
The Bell Lines Shipping Company and four related companies were wound up by order of the High Court on Friday, 4 July, 1997 and a liquidator was appointed. It is a matter for the liquidator to realise the assets of the companies and, in the case of the Bell Group, it is likely that the assets will be sold, as going concerns. The Bell Lines liquidator was appointed by the High Court and, in performing his powers, he is at all times subject to the supervision of the court. While it is early days yet, I am confident that the liquidator will be successful in securing the future of the core businesses of the Bell Group, thus saving the maximum number of jobs possible.
Immediately following the appointment of the liquidator, I assured Waterford Harbour Commissioners of the Government's full support in maintaining and developing their businesses into the future. With a view to guaranteeing and securing the future of Waterford Port, I have put the following action plan into place. I am making top level, marketing and business development expertise available to Waterford Harbour Commissioners in order to accelerate recovery; I have ensured that repayments on European Investment Bank loans will be met without adversely affecting the financial position of Waterford Port; my Department and Waterford Harbour Commissioners will give every assistance to the liquidator in order to maintain the maximum number of jobs and level of business in the port area.
