asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that his predecessor accepted in principle the desirability of having a passenger boat for the Aran Islands, County Galway, which would be capable of meeting the requirements of the summer season and of a separate vessel to cater for year round cargo requirements; if so, whether a decision has yet been made regarding the type of vessels which would be most suitable, and the terminal facilities that should be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

18.

asked the Minister for Transport if he accepts the need for a second cargo vessel to serve the Aran Islands, County Galway, as outlined to his predecessor by the island co-operatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

: With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Question No. 17 and 18 together.

There are a number of alternative possibilities before my Department for meeting the passenger and freight requirements of the Aran Islands. Those options include the one accepted in principle by my predecessor last year and to which the Deputy referred. As the Deputy is aware, my predecessor also pointed out to the island co-operatives on that occasion that in view of the current financial constraints it would be difficult for him to commit himself to the purchase of any vessel in the immediate future.

I have asked CIE to arrange for an evaluation of various options and to report back to me.

: Would the Minister clarify whether he accepts in principle the decision already made by his predecessor or if he is seeking to make any change? Does the Minister recognise that there is an urgent need to replace the Naomh Eanna, which has been serving the Aran Islands, County Galway, for about 30 years and is now in very poor condition. It is coming to the end of its life span and the service which it provides is most unsatisfactory from the point of view of the islanders. It was understood by the island community——

: A question please, Deputy.

: Is the Minister aware that it was understood by the island community that consideration was being given in the Department to the type of vessel which would be the best replacement for the Naomh Eanna? It would be a fast passenger vessel to serve the tourist trade in the summer months and also a cargo-carrying vessel to serve the island on a 12-month basis. There was also a proposal to have a small cargo vessel going from Kilronan to Inish Méan and on to Inis Thiar as a feeder service. Could the Minister indicate whether this Department are considering what type of vessel to acquire for this service?

: I am conscious of the needs of both passenger and cargo transportation between the islands and the mainland. A number of suggestions have been made. I have asked CIE to arrange for an evaluation of the various options and I am awaiting a report from them. I assure the Deputy that when that report is with me I will make a decision as speedily as possible.

: I understood that quite an amount of work has been done on this.

: A question.

: Could the Minister give some assurance to the House that the matter is being dealt with, with some degree of urgency in his Department and that we will hear before too long what the outcome of these deliberations is?

: I assure the Deputy that I will make a decision as speedily as possible and I will make as good a decision as I can about the Aran islanders in the context of the financial restraints within which we are operating.