Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

The Minister obviously received the briefing documents and so on in regard to the proposal for Bremore. I understand Fingal County Council, in its development plan, is looking positively at the possibility of this development as well. Does the Minister see Bremore and the new Drogheda Port fulfilling a key part in this essential infrastructure, namely, our ports, given that 99% of our trade is by sea? In terms of our size, we are probably one of the most important trading nations in the world. This development might have a role to play in that context.

I hope we get a chance at some stage to have a full debate on the ports policy document which was interesting in the context of some of the questions it left unanswered. What is the Minister's view on the capacity constraints which may exist? The policy document refers to an increase in capacity of approximately 35% to 40% by 2015. Does the Minister see this increase being met by the seven or eight major ports?

I refer to the comments on privatisation of ports' property. The policy document said the Minister has an open mind in regard to privatisation. Obviously, we have a concern that the important land banks of Dublin Port and of other ports around the country would be open to land speculation and to privatisation — a type of snatch and grab of very important land in urban areas. In this city, the port has marched steadily towards the Irish Sea.

Does the Minister have any views on the criticisms of the ports policy document, which the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources received, by IBEC? I understand the pension liabilities of port workers is mentioned in the policy document. This is another important factor in the likely configuration of our future ports policy.

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