To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what contingency plans are in place to ensure the Strangford ferry service can continue to operate in the case of staff shortages.

A minimum of four qualified crew members, including two that are licenced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to pilot the vessel, must be on board for the ferry to legally sail. The Strangford Ferry Service operates using three crews and contingency has been built in as each crew has six members.

This level of staffing is usually sufficient to keep the service running however when a member of staff is unavailable for a shift, other staff can be brought in on voluntary overtime or may be asked to change shifts. In addition there are other staff who have been trained to provide cover, and agency staff can be recruited, provided they have the relevant qualifications.

Part of our contingency arrangements is also to keep the travelling public informed as soon as possible so they can make alternative arrangements if the ferry service is to be suspended.