Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Chairman, I have outlined the rationale for this policy. If the best that Deputy Ó Cuív can do is come in and accuse me of being arrogant and speaking rubbish, then I would encourage him to engage with the substance of the argument I am putting forward as opposed to attempting to ridicule it.

I have outlined the policy rationale for this Bill and the reasons I believe it is the right approach. I have answered every question the Deputy has put to me. He may not have liked the answer, and if he had not been so eager to speak over me, he might have heard the answer I was outlining. If the best that Deputy Ó Cuív can do is to speak while I am speaking and describe the answer I have given as rubbish, I look forward to engaging with him when he has listened to what I have to say.

On his claim regard the lack of support for the Bill, of course it is open to a local authority to pass a resolution on this matter, but let us bear in mind the local authority that will be making these decisions will be the same local authority that I am saying should have the ability to integrate the port or harbour into their own structures and powers.

The people in Galway elect the members of the local authority which should then be the structure within which the port is run. If a charge were to be made against me that I am attempting to override the views of local people or local communities, let me counter it by saying that I am seeking to entrust the administration and the running of the port into the broad community in which the port is located.