Minister insists reliable sea service won't cost taxpayer

Wed, 27 Jun 2018

The Infrastructure Minister insists the public won't have to pay for the provision of a reliable sea service.

Ray Harmer was asked in this week's sitting of the House of Keys what his Department was doing to ensure there aren't direct costs to the taxpayer for running the Steam Packet Company.

The Minister insists the cost of providing reliable sea services falls onto the Steam Packet Company itself, and that historical data shows the owners of the company can reasonably expect it to make a profit.

Mr Harmer says he's confident the Government's takeover of the ferry operator won't lead to additional costs for the taxpayer.