Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Transport the support his Department has provided to the new Cork Swansea passenger ferry service; the steps that he is taking to enhance national marine connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12794/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish market for shipping services is highly competitive and provides a diverse range of maritime links into and out of the State. This is vital to facilitate trade and tourism.

As for any new venture, a range of supports is available from various State agencies for the new Cork Swansea service.

Two bodies under my own Department, the Port of Cork Company and the Irish Maritime Development Office, have provided technical and marketing advice to the new venture.

I should emphasise that my Department has no function in, or finance for, the provision of ferries on this or any other route, other than being as supportive as possible. Its promotion of the shipping sector concentrates on fiscal areas, marketing and education, in particular, through the work of the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO).

However, I gave approval, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, to allow the Port of Cork Company make a commercial investment of €200,000 in the Fastnet Line should it so wish, but such a decision is entirely a matter for the company.