Harbour Authorities Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2015

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

Ceisteanna (685)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

685. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group's proposals regarding funding for its cruise line berth and in the event of the private sector-Dún Laoghaire Business Improvement District not being able to raise the initial contribution of €750,000, or being able to afford its portion of the loan of €7.9 million to be borrowed over 40 years, if he has consented to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company taking on this responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25930/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy is aware, the Harbours Acts require State commercial port companies to seek Ministerial consent in relation to certain specific activities, including the establishment of any subsidiary company, certain investments in undertakings (other than a subsidiary) that are greater than €1.27 million, and borrowings.

Additionally the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies requires Ministerial consent for any 'action which would extend or change significantly the nature, scope or scale of activities in which it....engages' and also where any joint venture is proposed.

If at some future point Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company's involvement in the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group falls under any of the statutory requirements outlined, then the Company will be required to seek my consent and I will consider the issue at that time.