Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

My questions refer to promised foreshore legislation and another Bill to amend legislation governing ports, which has been proposed outside the House. I understand the need for amending legislation on ports was identified in talks in some Departments arising from the possibility that port authorities may have transferred land without authority. It has been suggested that legislation may be necessary to cover retrospectively the conveyance of land and leases and the acquisition of new land. I understand legislation will be forthcoming to correct this matter as a number of port authorities' plans are affected by the current legal imperfections. What is the position regarding legislation to amend legislation on ports to handle issues of property and with regard to the foreshore Bill promised in the Government's legislative programme?

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