Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Yes. It is an issue that needs to be resolved. Now the problems have been identified, we should be able to identify solutions. I will do that and ensure that the provision is in the Bill. The situation is more complicated than people thought because of existing contracts.

With regard to the other matters, in section 13 there is already a well established system for harbour and pilotage charges. I do not intend to change that or to accept the amendment regarding inserting a specific reference to consultation. That is already implicit in the Acts and happens in effect. We dealt with the other amendments and for the reasons outlined on Committee Stage, I do not intend to accept them. I fully accept we have made a commitment on pilots and we will abide by that commitment and bring in that change as quickly as we can.

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