Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

What I am trying to do here is to provide an added option when the future of Bantry Bay, Tralee and Fenit is considered. All this Bill will allow us to do when enacted is allow that a Minister may establish a private company in respect of the harbour, may transfer control to a relevant local authority or, subject to a statutory consultation period, transfer control to a port company control. That is all that is being included. It is an enabling provision to give the maximum freedom to somebody in the future with regard to what will happen in the case of both Bantry and Fenit.

I understand the views well articulated here by Deputies P. J. Sheehan and Jim O'Keeffe with regard to the desire to retain small, independent harbour boards. This is admirable in the context of local pride. However, it runs contrary to what members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport have repeatedly stated when questioning the executives of State commercial port companies. They have repeatedly stressed the benefits of mergers and amalgamations and port companies have been asked to explore the possibilities created from such mergers. In this particular case, all Members would recognise the benefits to be gained in areas such as marketing, piloting, dredging and increased operational efficiencies from a merger between a regional harbour with significant commercial trades and a port company. However, that is for another day.

I acknowledge the contributions made by all sides to this debate. I am convinced the amendments provided here will provide a Minister with the maximum scope in deciding the future of the harbour. It is with great reluctance that, despite the eloquent pleas, I will not be able to accept the amendment.

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