Now that we have had an internal solution to the problem — which I hope will prove to be a permanent one, or at least a temporary solution to a major problem — will the Minister use his good offices to ensure that there will be an external solution, to ensure that Sealink and B & I will not compete in a manner which will drive one of them out of business, the most obvious one at present being the B & I because of its vulnerability? Will the Minister agree that it is very important — which is why I tabled Question No. 32 — to ensure that we maintain a strategic link for passengers and cargo between here and Britain? Does he consider that talks should be held to ensure that we complement the Sealink service with B & I rather than have cut-throat competition?

I do not think I should lay down any principles for the B & I in this regard. We have encouraged the B & I to become a commercially viable company operating on the Irish Sea. That, in itself, implies that they should have the powers which they consider they need to do so. Their relationship with other companies plying the Irish Sea would be a matter for their board to decide.