asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the Nellie M vessel which was sunk in Lough Foyle.

I understand that the owners of the Nellie M have been in touch with the receiver of wreck indicating that they have invited tenders from salvage contractors for the raising of the ship and that they are also endeavouring to obtain provisional quotations for the repair of the vessel. On receipt of tenders they will determine whether it will be practical for them to salvage the ship. I understand that the owners consider it quite likely that the ship will be salvaged.

Would the Minister indicate if and when he is requesting that it be done forthwith?

In the not too distant future.

Has the Minister requested the owners of the ship to have it removed as soon as possible? It is causing an obstruction.

The second part of the Deputy's question is not quite accurate. It is not causing an obstruction and the Commissioners of Irish Lights have stated that there is no danger to navigation. I understand the owners are very concerned about having the ship and its cargo salvaged.

Has the Minister or his Department been in contact with the owners of the ship requesting that the ship be salvaged as a matter of urgency?

The Department are very concerned about the whole question of the Nellie M being resolved.

We cannot have a debate on this. A final supplementary, please.

I do not doubt the Minister's concern. Has the Minister or his Department been in contact with the owners requesting that the matter be dealt with forthwith?

The Department have taken every step possible to see to it that this ship is got out of the channel at the earliest possible date and also that salvage of it would be undertaken in the immediate future.

The Minister is full of hot air.