asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is in a position to indicate the numbers of Irish citizens employed on board foreign registered tankers sailing regularly to Irish ports; and, if so, if he will give details, indicating the numbers on each such tanker.

The employment of Irish citizens on foreign-registered vessels does not come within the ambit of Irish merchant shipping legislation, but is governed by the appropriate legislation of the State of registry of the vessels. I am not, therefore, in a position to supply the particulars requested by the Deputy.