Vol. 406 No. 8
6 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister if he will outline the terms of reference of the review of the regulatory framework of Irish commercial harbours; by whom the review is being carried out; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Limerick West): The task of the recently established Review Group on Commercial Harbours and Pilotage Policy and Legislation is to identify those aspects of existing legislation which need up dating and to make recommendations regarding a revised legislative code and policy for commercial ports and pilotage. The review group which is chaired by Mr. Patrick Murphy, managing director, Minch Norton Limited/Irish Malt Exporters is comprised as follows: Ald. Mary Mooney, Representing Local Authorities; Mr. Noel Shanley, Irish Port Authorities Association; Mr. Michael Hoctor, Irish Port Authorities Association; Mr. John Kenna, Confederation of Irish Industry; Mr. Paul Clarke, SIPTU; Dr. Seán Barrett, Transport Economist, Trinity College, Dublin; Mr. Patrick Howard, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Marine.
I am hopeful that the group will have completed their task by early 1992.
I thank the Minister for the information he has given us. Does he anticipate that the group's report will have some bearing on the allocation of EC Structural Funds for the development of port facilities in this State? Can he state what legislation he expects will be amended as a result of the report?
(Limerick West): The answer to the first question is no. It is generally accepted that existing harbours and pilotage legislation is no longer appropriate to present day needs. The Harbours Act, 1946, was based on the report of the Ports and Harbours Tribunal of 1930 and the pilotage legislation dates from 1913. The group have not been given terms of reference. Their task is to identify those aspects of existing legislation which constrain a modern port. The present structure of harbour boards needs to be examined, as does the extent of ministerial and departmental control on the day-to-day activities of ports. The group will be required to make recommendations for a revised legislative code and policy for commercial ports. In doing this they will have regard to the challenges presented by the national development plan, the completion of the internal market and the need for competitiveness of Irish trade and industry.
Would the Minister not agree that there is a degree of urgency attached to this review in view of the completion of the internal market by 1992? He indicated that the review will be completed some time in 1992 but I suggest there is a degree of urgency attached to this review because, as the Minister pointed out, our laws are antiquated.
(Limerick West): I agree with the Deputy and that is why I have requested the group to let me have their report by early 1992. I should say that the group are now in session, are working very well and meet about every three weeks. I am very satisfied with the progress they are making and I hope to receive their report by early 1992, if not before.
May I ask the Minister if the information he has given takes account of the review of the common fisheries policy which is due to be tendered to Brussels by 31 December 1991? Will this have any bearing on the commercial interests of those harbours?
The Deputy is raising a very distinct and separate matter.
It is relevant.
Question No. 7.
