asked the Minister for Communications if the B & I have been authorised by him to purchase the Irish Continental Line.

I have not authorised the B & I Company to purchase Irish Continental Line Ltd.

Arising from the Minister's succinct reply, could I ask him if it has been envisaged as a possibility that the Irish Continental Line would be purchased by the B & I, if this has been mentioned to him at all by any of the interests concerned and if he would consider it important, now that we have lost the southern corridor to an American firm and now that the British and French are about to link by means of a channel tunnel, that we should maintain our interest in that south-eastern area by guaranteeing that the Irish Continental Line is kept in Irish hands whether State or private?

I would be very much of the view that a direct connection between Ireland and the Continent is of very great importance but it would be invidious of me to explore publicly the ins and outs of the possibility of the B & I or the State getting involved with the Irish Continental Line. I know the liquidator has sought expressions of interest and I have heard that there has been quite a number of expressions of interest in the company. Of course, the B & I have been among those who have made inquiries about the prospects of the company.

I can understand, in the interests of the State and the Exchequer, the Minister's reticence with regard to giving us his strong opinion on the matter. Would he indicate, seeing there are so many predators around now in that area, that he would regard it as important for the interests of the country that this company should be maintained under Irish ownership of whatever variety?

I do not disagree at all with the sentiments expressed by Deputy Wilson but I am sure he will appreciate that these things have to be very carefully explored and handled. I will certainly not negotiate our position on this in public.