Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I am familiar with the proposal of Drogheda Port Company. I have taken a keen interest in it for a number of years. It was good enough to brief me on that proposals as soon as it was finalised. I do not want to prejudice any process which will take place but, having read it and knowing about the ports policy document, it is the type of project and approach we need to use in the development of our ports to meet the capacity demand up to 2014 about which the Deputy spoke and to which the policy document referred. I will not commit myself any further than that.

I had the opportunity recently to see what Hong Kong has done over the years. It is the ports capital of the world, particularly for the unitised trade. It evolved from virtually nothing over a period. I know China is on its doorstep and we probably would not be able to be as ambitious. Some 80% to 90% of our goods and services are exported, so obviously a strong ports policy is necessary.

I have no difficulty with the suggestion the Deputy made in regard to ports policy generally and it might be a good idea for us to debate it either in this House or in committee. On the Deputy's point about privatisation of ports and so on, the type of projects about which we are talking, such as the development of 21 hectares in Dublin Port or the proposal for Ringaskiddy, are major projects. The Exchequer will not be able to fund all of them and the ports will have to look to private sources of financing. I do not know what that might end up being but it will involve public private partnerships and the private sector in a big way. In regard to the criticism by IBEC, the policy has been put forward and we will consider any constructive suggestions and adapt policy as necessary as a result. It is a comprehensive document.

The question of pension liabilities is a matter for the ports themselves. I am aware there are pension deficits in a number of them. Obviously, that must be considered and the interests of the workers must be protected.

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