asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the imminent danger of the closing down of the steamship service between Bantry and Castletownbere, the result of which would be to isolate the Beara peninsula and prevent the people of that area from getting necessary supplies and disposing of their produce, and if he will state what steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that the service will be maintained.

I have received representations from the inhabitants of Castletownbere that the Bantry Bay Steamship Company is threatening to close down owing to its financial position and to lack of coal for its steamer. I am not aware of the financial position of the Bantry Bay Steamship Company, the majority of whose shares are held by the Great Southern Railways company. In addition to the services provided by the steamship company transport services with the Beara peninsula are supplied by omnibus, motor lorries and by privately owned boats.

The matter of the shortage of coal for the Bantry, Bay steamer has been referred to the Department of Supplies. Having regard to the alternative means of transport available in the area. I do not consider that any other special action is called for.

Is the Minister aware that there are only three lorries licensed in the whole area?

In view of the fact that there is very little transport accommodation in the area, and seeing that the Great Southern Railways control the majority of the shares, would the Minister make representations to them so that adequate lorry facilities will be provided, if anything should happen to the present services?

We do represent to the railway companies that they should maintain adequate transport services in all parts of the country.