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.