Some weeks ago I questioned the Tánaiste on Dublin Port's policy on cruise ships and the decision to reduce the number of cruise ships from 2021 to 2023 to 80 ships per annum and how that would have a very negative impact on Belfast and Cork in terms of cruise companies deciding to come to Ireland in the first instance. I have tabled parliamentary questions to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. On foot of the replies I received, it is very clear to me that the situation remains uncertain. The replies stated that Dublin Port hopes to revert with increased capacity after 2023, when its infrastructure works pertaining to the freight side are completed. There is no commitment in terms of developing a dedicated cruise berth. Cost-benefit analysis is ongoing at the moment.

On the previous occasion, I said that this relates to the Government's programme, the development of tourism, and the retail sector, which is on its knees throughout the country, in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. Has the Tánaiste done anything since then? What commitments can be given to the cruise ship industry that a dedicated cruise berth will be provided and that the negative attitude to cruise ships will end and a more positive outlook developed?

I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Ross, on a number of occasions about this issue, and he has spoken to Dublin Port about it. Dublin Port has a job to do in terms of running its port efficiently, and it has been put under quite significant pressure in terms of capacity in recent months, linked of course to Brexit. In my view it has done a very good job on that. It also has an obligation, however, as the main port of destination for cruise liner business. It is linked with other ports around this island, and therefore the decisions it makes have significant knock-on consequences for ports such as Cork and Belfast. It has an obligation to work collectively with those other ports to be consistent with our national policy of supporting cruise liner traffic, and it must be factored into its plans. Dublin Port faces short-term challenges in the next couple of years in terms of infrastructural investment, but I expect that it will give a medium-term commitment to increasing cruise liner traffic again.