Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Mooney, Norris, Hayden and others raised the issue of Stena Line concentrating on expanding on its existing ferry service in Dublin Port having decided to terminate its services from Dun Laoghaire, which is a big disappointment to everyone involved. Following the withdrawal of duty free shopping, passenger and car volumes declined dramatically in 2014. Fewer than 150,000 ferry passengers travelled through Dún Laoghaire harbour and this represented a decline of more than 90%. Combined with increased fuel and operating costs, it made the route unsustainable but, as has been mentioned, services will be expanded in Dublin Port. It is sad for everybody involved. I like Senator Norris's literary references to the mail boat in Dún Laoghaire. The development of the cruise line trade has helped the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company with its finances. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is aware of the disappointment in Dún Laoghaire and he has received correspondence from the harbour company on the matter. He intends to meet the board in the coming weeks to discuss the implications of this decision and to engage with it on plans for the future. I hope Dún Laoghaire Port will have a bright future.

Senator Mooney complimented the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on the standardisation of tobacco packaging. The tobacco lobby is strong and we have seen what has happened in many European countries. The Senator also requested the attendance of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to update the House on his portfolio.