Jimmy Harte (Labour)

Indeed, but I am talking about a ferry that has ceased operating. I ask that the Minister address the House regarding future funding for this ferry. Since 2002, Donegal County Council and Limavady Borough Council have provided funding for this much needed ferry, which is a vital link and tourist attraction for thousands of passengers every summer. Councillor Martin Farren has raised this issue with the North West Region Cross Border Group. There is agreement among all councils that the funding must come from central government because local authorities no longer have the type of funding, in the region of €100,000, that is required. Some 12 full-time and six part-time jobs have been lost because of this lack of funding. The ferry has been used by many tourists on the tourist trail from Antrim to Senator Ó Domhnaill's county of Donegal and provided a vital link across the north of the country, which is how it was marketed. The ferry service ceased operating last Sunday at 7.30 a.m.

I ask that the Leader invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the House to give us his views on this matter and also to provide a commitment to the provision of funding during the next three years. Next year and the following year, Derry will be the city of culture. Also, the Clipper Challenge, an around the world boat race, will arrive in Greencastle in 2012. The wrong message, namely, that tourism in Inishowen will be compromised owing to a lack of funding, is going out. The Minister must address this issue. All councillors in Donegal, including those from Limavady and Derry county councils are supportive of this ferry service but there is no funding for it. I ask that the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, explain the situation to the people of Inishowen.