andMr. Barrett asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the report now being prepared on this country's ports will be made available to the public; and, if so, the approximate date of publication.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ports Report.
4.
(Cavan): The report, which I expect to receive early in 1977, is intended primarily as guidance for my Department in regard to future port development and it is not the type of report which I envisage would be published.
The Government have made a mistake in deciding not to publish this report. We should try to involve the people in discussions in regard to the development of any port.
(Cavan): The Deputy's comments will be borne in mind.
Can the Minister say who was consulted in regard to the compilation of the report?
(Cavan): There have been demands from a number of sources for a co-ordinated national ports policy. In 1972 the then Minister directed that the matter be examined. A working group, representative of my Department, the Department of Finance, the Industrial Development Authority, An Foras Forbartha, the Economic and Social Research Institute, B+I and CIE was set up on 3rd November, 1972. When that report is available to me a policy will be formed.
Have all port authorities been consulted in regard to the preparation of the report?
(Cavan): Offhand, I cannot say whether the working group have consulted the harbour authorities throughout the country.