Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 6

Written Answers. - Drogheda Harbour Pilotage Rates.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

65 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine the reason for the delay in giving sanction to Drogheda Harbour Commissioners, County Louth, to carry out the decision of the board as notified to his Department on 11 July 1989 to increase the pilotage rates as per the recommendations of a Rights Commissioner; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the four pilots are handling 700 vessels per annum and some years eight pilots were handling on average 450-500 vessels; to the fact that no increase has been granted to these pilots since 1987; if his Department are in breach of the terms of the Programme for National Recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

The application by the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners for an increase in pilotage rates in line with the increase in the consumer price index from 13 July 1987 has been refused on the grounds that such an increase is not warranted at the present time because of the substantial increase in pilot earnings at Drogheda since 1987.

I understand that there has not been a recommendation from a rights commissioner on this matter.