asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the number of vessels of Irish Shipping presently under charter; the names of each vessel; the companies with whom chartering arrangements are operating; and the position of charter.

Irish Shipping have four vessels, Irish Rowan, Irish Cedar, Irish Oak and Irish Maple under charter at present. Any more detailed information on these charters lies within the day-to-day commercial operation of the company and it would not be in the public interest to release it.

In relation to this chartering policy of the company I should like to know if the Minister has reviewed it in view of present world shipping conditions?

The Deputy recognises that conditions are difficult at present. I do not know if much can be done about it except to continue to make every effort to keep these ships operating.

Has any consideration been given to the idea of extending Irish Shipping into the ownership of tankers?

That is a separate question.

It relates to Irish Shipping. There seems to be sense behind the idea of the country arranging for its own supplies.

The Deputy must be aware that there is a considerable surplus of tankers in the world at present.

I am talking about having tankers under our own control.

It is relatively easy to charter tankers if we need to do so.

Is the Minister aware that one of these vessels is carrying nuclear waste, and I should like to know if he approves of that situation?

I am not aware of that.

Anything for a headline.

We would prefer decisions, but it appears that headlines are the only way of provoking the Government into doing something.