Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are in the process of appointing a new board and chairman. I am genuinely open to suggestions from people and stakeholders on how the harbour company should operate. However, whatever the final structure, it will need to operate on a commercial basis. Government subvention and taxpayers money is for schools, hospitals, pensions and support for the disabled, carers and the unemployed. We do not intend getting into the business of subventing harbours or port companies or any semi-State organisation, other than CIE.

I am interested in hearing any suggestions in regard to how the company can be put on a sound or commercial footing, under any structure. If the Deputy wishes to make a submission along those lines, I am happy to consider it and to then meet with the Deputy and others from the constituency on that basis.

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