asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in the interest of employment in the Passage West, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy and Carrigaline areas, he will ensure that a suitable and adequate ferry service is provided to and from the NET project at Marino Point in Cork Harbour.

The provision of ferry services for workers in the Cork harbour area is a matter in which I do not have any function. However, I would assume that the build-up later this year of permanent employment at NET's Marino Point project would provide opportunities for increased business for the operators of the existing ferry services for workers in the Cork harbour area and that the possibilities in this regard are being borne in mind by the interests concerned.

Do I take it the Parliamentary Secretary will reply on private enterprise for the provision of this service or does he think there may be State involvement? Would he consult Deputy Halligan about it?

The attitude is that private operators are capable of meeting the need and I would hope that would be the case.