Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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I am delighted that the port chairman is so prudent with the company's money. If he had been an adviser to the previous Government, we might not be in our current position. I understand how difficult it is for small ports, given my knowledge of New Ross and Waterford ports. It is a challenging time for them to seek new business.

Is it correct that the port's pension scheme has no effect on the viability of the port? Could Mr. Newsome, whose company is perhaps bucking the trend in this area, expand a little on that? The projections for the period to 2016 suggest a return to profitability through a major reduction in port maintenance expenditure. Could Mr. Newsome comment on that also? There are sometimes spikes regarding port maintenance but it levels out after a number of years.

I take Mr. Newsome's point that the port company is actively looking for business in niche areas. It is very prudent to carry out a feasibility study on the challenges the port will face. It is worth looking at the business and development plan.

Could Mr. Newsome state the largest ship size that can be accommodated by the port? There seems to be a growing market in respect of scrap metal and oils. Ports are trying to examine this.

Is there any merit in designing a tourism product based on the east-coast ports such that there would be an attraction in Wexford, Waterford, New Ross, Wicklow and Drogheda? Has any thought been put into this? Could Mr. Newsome comment on it?