asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he will halt all further reclamation work in progress in Dublin bay under the aegis of the Dublin Port and Docks Board until a full inquiry is held representative of all interests to ascertain the full extent of the Board's intentions in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Bay Reclamation Work.
31.
As I have indicated in reply to previous questions on this subject, the Government will examine the plans being prepared by the Dublin Port and Docks Board in the light of local and national considerations. I have already given a public assurance that any plans for the future development of Dublin Bay will be the subject of consultation with all the interests involved.
Is it the Minister's intention that there will be legislation giving the Government full control over any future development planning in Dublin Bay?
If we can do it without legislation——
I asked whether this is the position or this is not the position.
If we can achieve what everybody desires in regard to a balanced development in regard to both sides of Dublin Harbour without legislation this is obviously the better way to do it.
The Minister has already admitted that there are loopholes in the present law regarding development at the bay and he is aware that Dublin Port and Docks Board are proceeding through these loopholes in developing the bay. Does the Minister propose to do anything about this situation?
I am very much in touch with all the interests concerned and my colleagues, the Minister for Industry and Commerce and the Minister for Finance, have been equally active in promoting my interests in this matter. I have met representatives of the residents concerned and, as I said initially, if we can deal with this problem without legislation I feel it is the wise way to do it.
Is the Minister aware that the Minister for Industry and Commerce has already given certain undertakings in relation to the development of the area? Does the Minister for Transport and Power propose to honour these undertakings?
I back the Minister for Industry and Commerce up to the hilt and that is that.
Up to the hilt?
Yes.
In regard to the developments which are proceeding under the aegis of Dublin Port and Docks Board will the Minister consider doing anything to stop this development at present?
The Deputy, of course, is behind the situation all the time.
No, the Deputy was present at the meeting which the Minister for Industry and Commerce could not be bothered attending.
In regard to the previous question the Deputy was behind events and in regard to this particular matter he is also a week behind events.
I heard the Minister's excuses to the meeting. Smart Brian remarks.
A full deputation was met and action has been taken. We can do it without legislation and if legislation is necessary by all means——
Question No. 32.
I understand——
I have called Question No. 32. We cannot discuss this question all evening. There are 125 questions to be finished before 5 o'clock.
I seldom ask questions or intrude and I have a serious question to ask the Minister.
The Deputy is very courteous.
Could the Minister tell me whether he agrees with the remarks of the Manager of the Dublin Port and Docks Board that the responsible officials have made up their minds that it is no business of the general public to intrude at all?
I disapprove of any remarks that would in any way obstruct or obtrude the general public from interest in any public affairs.