asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the present estimated loss for the B & I in 1987; the steps he proposes to take to bring the company to profitability, the plans, if any, he has for the future of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

24.

asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the present position regarding the financial difficulties facing B & I; the proposals, if any, he has to maintain and improve the equity base of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 24 together. The company's net loss for 1986 was £6.8 million. The loss for 1987 is expected to be greater. I am at present considering proposals made to me by the board of the B & I aimed at improving the situation. I am not yet in a position, however, to make a statement on the matter.

The Minister states that the position for 1987 is worse. Might I ask him: how much worse and what will be the projected losses by the end of the current year?

I am afraid I am unable to give the Deputy that information as of now. As I said in my reply, it is expected that the loss for 1987 will be greater than that incurred in 1986.

Are the losses jeopardising the future of the company? Can the Minister give the House a guarantee that the company will remain in operation?

The whole position of the company will come up for consideration. The Government will be taking decisions the board of B & I and they are the As I said, the proposals were made by board of the B & I and they are the subject of consideration for the purposes of improving the position of the company.

That would indicate that the Minister and the Government are very worried, if not dissatisfied, with the performance of the company, so there is a question mark over the future of the company.

The Deputy is trying to lead me. The fact is that any State or semi-State company which is losing money is a matter of concern considering the present very tight financial situation.