Vol. 483 No. 2
96 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give details of the public funding which has been, or will be, made available to the freight shipping service of live animals from Cork to Cherbourg. [19949/97]
Government assistance of a maximum of £1 million by way of start-up funding is to be provided in respect of a new ferry service to the Continent which is committed to the transport of all live animals. The need for this service using the roll-on, roll-off ship MV Purbeck arose due to the decision of the principal provider of ferry services from Ireland to the continent to discontinue carrying most categories of live animals with effect from 1 August last. The new service has been operating since mid-October and has already carried a substantial number of livestock as well as other commercial products.
