asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has approved of applications from Irish Shipping and the B & I for the lodging of orders for the construction of ships at Cork Dockyard.

The B & I Company and Irish Shipping Ltd. have each, at my request, been considering the possibility of placing an order for a new ship each with Verolme Cork Dockyard Ltd. Both companies recently submitted such proposals which are at present under examination.

How soon will a decision be given on it? I am sure the Minister appreciates it is urgent.

I appreciate that, but the Deputy will appreciate there are financial matters which must be dealt with by my Department and the Department of Finance. I can assure the Deputy the matter is being expedited.

The Minister will appreciate that the decision would require to be made within six weeks to avoid redundancies.

I appreciate that.