Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Defence the costs of operating the ferry service between Cobh and the Naval Base in Haulbowline, County Cork; the frequency of the service; the revenue if any collected; his plans to reduce the costs of operating this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30158/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The ferry service operating between Cobh and the Naval Base provides transport between Cobh and the Naval Base for Naval Service personnel and civilian staff. The service, which has been in existence for over 50 years, currently operates on the basis of both a scheduled time-tabled service and an on call 24 hours a day service. The service, which is a valuable asset, provides the Naval Service with significant flexibility and capability in the harbour region and is required for Naval operational reasons. Labour costs make up the majority of the operating costs of the service. The costs for 2011 comprised direct labour costs of €910,833 and maintenance costs of €63,781. There is no revenue generated by the service. The question of reducing the operational costs in relation to the provision of this service is under consideration.