Vol. 568 No. 2
79 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the high level reports of ports and the port estates task force; his further views on the finding of the high level review that privatisation of port assets is not an immediate option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15920/03]
As the Deputy will be aware, I published the final report of the high level review of the State commercial ports operating under the Harbours Acts, 1996 to 2000 and the report of the ministerial task force on the development of port estates in commercial harbours on 13 May last and simultaneously initiated a full public consultation process on the findings and recommendations of both reports. It is my intention that the results of the public consultation process will feed into and inform future policy deliberations as to how best to operate and manage ports into the future. As I have previously stated, both reports will prove to be seminal reports in the history of Irish ports and I commend the authors of both reports for their thoroughly researched and comprehensive reports. I look forward to hearing the views of all interested persons and bodies on foot of the consultation process.
