Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on job losses of the withdrawal of ferry services between Ireland and (1) Holyhead, (2) Fishguard, and (3) Pembroke Dock.

Ferry services between Ireland and the ports of Holyhead and Fishguard are a matter for the respective Irish and Welsh governments. There have been no direct discussions with Irish Ferries concerning services between Ireland and Pembroke Dock which is part of the Port of Milford Haven. Milford Haven is a reserved major Trust Port.

However, the Department has had regular engagement with the full breath of the maritime sector including ferry operators and Trade Unions. Any operational decisions that could cause potential job losses are regrettable and the Department will continue to engage relevant parties. However, the impact of the global pandemic has created significant challenges and the Department recognises that operators have to make difficult commercial decisions.