asked the Minister for Transport the estimated profit or loss made by each of the State-sponsored transport companies in 1980.

Audited accounts for the State-sponsored bodies in the transport area will not be available for some time and at this stage one can give only provisional estimates. Subject to that caveat, the indications are that the returns for 1980 will be as follows: B & I Company, £2.8 million loss; C.I.E. (excluding Ostlanna Iompair Eireann), £71.7 million loss; Aer Rianta £2.0 million operating surplus; Irish Shipping Ltd., £3.0 million profit for year ending 31 March 1981.

Aer Lingus, whose financial year also ends on 31 March, are not yet in a position to give estimated results.