asked the Minister for Communications the total State equity injections in B & I Steam Packet Co. Ltd. and Irish Shipping Ltd., in 1984; the dates on which the transfers were made; and whether any payments are envisaged for 1985 and the amounts.

The total State equity injection in the B & I Steam Packet Co. Ltd. amounted to £6 million equity in 1984. Transfers were as follows: 4 January 1984, £1.7 million; 19 April 1984, £1 million; 14 June 1984, £1.3 million; 31 December 1984, £2 million. Total, £6 million.

The financial position of B & I is a matter of grave concern to the Government. My Department are examining proposals made by the company and I expect to be making a submission to the Government in the matter shortly. I am not in a position to say at this stage what equity, if any, will be made available to the B & I in 1985. State equity was not made available to Irish Shipping Limited in 1984.

Is the Minister saying that no equity has been made available to B & I so far in 1985?

Not to date. The last payment of £2 million was on 31 December last.