Under the Harbours Act, 1996, the ports of Dublin and Cork were corporatised as commercial State port companies with an independent statutory remit to manage, control and operate their harbours.
All matters in relation to safety, navigation and ship berthage within harbours subject to the provisions of the Harbours Act, 1996, are the statutory responsibility of the port companies concerned.
Following consultation with Dublin Port Company and the Port of Cork Company in relation to docking of the ship in question, I am advised that there are no grounds in the applicable harbours legislation which would entitle them to refuse entry to the ship.
My Department has advised the Department of Health and Children accordingly. Any matters relating to the possible carriage of passengers by this vessel will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of merchant shipping legislation.