Michael Finucane
Question:55 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if a report into a company (details supplied) commissioned by his Department can be made available. [13447/01]
Written Answers - Statutory Performance Audit.
The report referred to by the Deputy is the statutory performance audit of the eight port companies which were corporatised on 3 March 1997 in accordance with the Harbours Act, 1996, and the companies' memorandum and articles of association. I am advised that the independent consultant undertaking the task is nearing completion of his work. These audit findings will inform future policy directions for the State ports industry. There is a process involved here. All the port companies involved will be invited to make a formal submission on the results of the audits. Boards will be given a chance to have their say and input on the finalised report.
I am obliged, in accordance with section 29(2) of the Harbours Act, 1996, to submit the report to Government and in order to ensure balance, particularly in relation to criticism(s), each board's view will also be put on the table. I will be addressing the findings overall in a positive and proactive light and, working with the port companies, will seek to address deficiencies identified and make improvements where possible. Given that the reports will contain commercially sensitive information pertaining to individual port companies, the extent to which results will be published is a matter for further consideration.