asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take steps, in view of the present world situation (i) to secure at least one ocean-going and one coastal-tanker, to be registered in the Republic of Ireland; (ii) to ensure that shipping, now registered in the Republic of Ireland, will not be allowed to transfer registration to Britain or other foreign countries, and (iii) to direct Irish ship-owners, who have at present ships under foreign registration to have these vessels re-registered as soon as possible in the Republic of Ireland.

The question of securing some tanker tonnage for the Irish register is at present under consideration. Under Section 9 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1947, the registry of any ship at a port in the State may not be closed or transferred without the approval of the Minister for Industry and Commerce. Such approval is not being given in respect of any vessel suitable for commercial purposes. I have no power to require Irish ship-owners to transfer their vessels from other registers to the Irish register.

It is about time you would look for that power.

Deputy Hickey should not make running comments on every question.