Vol. 418 No. 4
13 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine if he considers it satisfactory that all harbour boards and authorities operating under the Harbours Act, 1946 have to get his consent and that of his Department for any changes in harbour rates and dues on cargo; and whether he will amend this situation.
20 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine if he, or his Department, have received any proposals to amend the pilotage legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
25 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he intends to amend the Harbours Act, 1946 to allow for State assistance for a much greater range of harbours.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 20 and 25 together.
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. The pilotage legislation dates from 1913. It was for this reason that the Review Group on Commercial Harbours and Pilotage Policy and Legislation was set up. The review group includes a broad representation of interests associated with ports — the Port Authorities Association, the Confederation of Irish Industry, a transport economist, a local authorities representative, a SIPTU representative and a representative of my Department. The task of the group is to evaluate critically existing legislation and policy in the light of modern requirements and to make recommendations for a revised legislative code and an up-date of policy for commercial ports and pilotage. The review group, which has been in session since January, 1991, have now almost completed their task and should shortly be in a position to present their report and recommendations to me.
I look forward to receipt of the report. I can assure the Deputies that I will deal with its recommendations as a matter of urgency.
May I first remind the Minister that, at his last Question Time, he said he would have that report by the end of March? Since reports are only reports will he agree that it is totally inappropriate that harbour authorities, who must operate within a competitive arena, are limited by bureaucratic constraints, requiring ministerial approval for changes in, for example, harbour dues and rates for different types of harbours? Given the complexities of pricing structures, would the Minister say whether he would immediately examine changing this procedure by regulation to allow greater flexibility to individual ports?
I agree with the Deputy, in general terms, that it is important that as many functions as possible be devolved to the ports and harbours authorities and that they be given freedom to get on with the job. It is in that context this whole study has been conducted. I expect to receive the report shortly. In fact I understand it will come to hand quite soon, when the Deputy will have an opportunity to consider its contents and the best way to proceed thereafter. I agree there is quite a number of anomalous conditions which should be cleared up and which should be devolved to the ports authorities themselves, giving them more control over their activities.
