Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2017
290. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is responsible for the financial oversight of the ports under his control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12278/17]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I am responsible for overall policy for the commercial ports sector and the corporate governance of the commercial port companies operating under the Harbours Acts 1996 to 2015.
The core objective of National Ports Policy is to facilitate a competitive and effective market for maritime transport services. National Ports Policy also clearly outlines that the commercial port companies must operate on a commercial basis without recourse to State funding.
As Minister, I have no involvement in the day to day operations of the commercial port companies. Similarly the financial management of the commercial ports is a matter for the port companies concerned.
Chapter 5 of my Department's Corporate Governance Framework provides an overview of the approach applied in the external governance and oversight of all agencies and bodies under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. This document is publically available under publications at www.dttas.ie. In line with corporate governance requirements, the commercial port companies submit their annual audited accounts to my Department which are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas prior to publication.
