andMr. Wyse asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether orders for new vessels have been placed by the B & I or Irish Shipping Limited with the Cork Dockyard.

I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputies that I have approved of proposals made to me by the B & I for the building of a new unit-load ship of 3,440 gross tons by Verolme Cork Dockyard. The question of the building of a cargo vessel for Irish Shipping Limited is still under examination.

Will the Minister not agree that he has been a little late in making this effort?

Can the Minister state if he has any further proposals for the ship-building industry to ensure continuity of employment?

The building of the B & I vessel will ensure immediate full employment in the Verolme dockyard. The question of an Irish Shipping vessel is being examined with a view to a continuation of this highly successful development in Cork.