Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I take a slightly different view of the matter. I am not sure of the justification for exempting port companies from liability. It is not as if they are separate companies, based somewhere in the city centre, which just give out licences. The port companies are responsible for the operation and safe maintenance of the ports within their remit. I am not sure why they should be exempted. Surely they should be legally responsible for operating the ports safely and ensuring that dangerous substances — petrol, in this case — are stored in an adequate manner. I do not see any justification for giving them the kind of immunity that is provided for in these amendments. The port companies have been compared to the Environmental Protection Agency or the Health and Safety Authority, but they offer somewhat different services. They are not just licensing authorities — they also operate the ports. For that reason, they should have a clear legal responsibility to ensure that their operations are conducted safely.

See this speech in context