asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that large numbers of Ulster people, resident in Great Britain, are at present unable to secure bookings to Northern Ireland for the bank holiday period of 12th July; and whether he will authorise sufficient additional sailings to accommodate those who wish to travel on this occasion.

I understand that, except on 5th July, sailing tickets for Northern Ireland are still available on the sailing dates before 12th July by one or other of the routes. The London Midland and Scottish Railway have already provided for additional sailings for the Belfast holiday, and there is no additional tonnage available to augment sailings further.

Are additional sailings available on this bank holiday on the same scale as for other bank holidays?

I could not say "Yes" or "No" to that question, but I will look into the point.

Is the Minister aware that the congestion is contributed to by people desiring to go to Eire by this indirect route? Will he take some steps to obviate the congestion between Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire?

It is rather difficult for me to tell people which route they should use.