asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, having regard to the huge volume of agricultural produce and live stock exported through the port of Cork and the large quantity of agricultural requirements imported, he will nominate representatives of the agricultural producers on the harbour board about to be appointed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Harbour Board.
The Cork Harbour Board is comprised of 23 members, two of whom are appointed directly by the live-stock industry. An election is due to take place this year. Under the provisions of the Harbours Act, 1946, four vacancies are filled by ministerial nominations. These nominations are not made until the other vacancies have been filled. It is my intention in making nominations to this and other harbour boards to have regard to the desirability of ensuring that important local interests will be represented.
May I take it from the Minister's reply that he will have regard to the important interest which is referred to in the question?
I shall have regard to all interests.