Jim O'Keeffe
Question:13 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine when legislation will be introduced to confirm the status of the Castletownbere Inner and Outer Harbours.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Castletownbere Harbour Status.
Gerry O'Sullivan
Question:40 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the progress, if any, which has been made in extending the powers of the Castletownbere Fishery Harbour; if legislation is necessary to appoint a harbour master for the proposed extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 40 together.
Legal advice obtained by me confirms that amending legislation will be required to encompass Berehaven Sound in the Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre. I hope to be in a position to advance the necessary legislation at an early date.
Four Russian vessels arrived into Berehaven Sound today. It has been brought to my attention that local people are very anxious to have the control of their inner and outer harbours. I should like to inform the Minister that if he would expedite the necessary legislation there would be co-operation and support from this side of the House to have the legislation enacted with a minimum of delay. In the light of that commitment, could the Minister give me a fairly early time-frame for the enactment of the legislation?
All I can say to the Deputy is that I have already been active in trying to have the matter advanced urgently. I recognise the point that the Deputy is again making and I shall certainly move quite quickly on the issue.
In view of the Minister's reply——
Deputy Sheehan, tóg bog é.
I should like to question the Minister on this point.
Deputy, when the waves are high one paddles gently.
Could the Minister give an undertaking that he will honour the commitment in this regard made by the former Taoiseach before he left office? I hope that the Minister will expedite the legislation as much as possible.
We are always looking after you.
I hope that the Deputies opposite will help me in expediting the legislation here in the House and through the Whips; I shall certainly do my best.
No problem.
I assure the Minister of full co-operation.
The Minister could do the same thing in relation to Dún Laoghaire harbour.