asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is prepared to sanction the application made by the Dundalk Harbour Board on behalf of pilots at Dundalk port for an increase in pilotage rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dundalk Pilotage Rates.
The Dundalk Harbour Board, in their capacity as Pilotage Authority, have applied for my approval for certain amendments to their Pilotage By-laws. These amendments, the details of which have been the subject of correspondence with the authority, are designed to enable higher pilotage rates to be charged on shipping using the port, so that increased earnings and benefits will be available for the pilots, pilot pensioners and dependents.
In accordance with the provisions of the Pilotage Act, 1913, it will be necessary for the authority to advertise their proposals, and before confirming any amending by-laws, I must consider any representations made to me by interested parties. The examination of the amendments is nearly complete and the directions about publication will be issued to the authority very shortly.
Can the Minister state, assuming the increase is granted, that it will be retrospective to the date of application?
That is not raised in the question.
It is a supplementary question.
The Deputy is not entitled to put into supplementary questions something that is not raised in the original question.