Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I thank the Senator for raising this issue. All State port companies are established under the Harbours Acts, 1996-2000, the statutory basis for their formation. Shannon Foynes Ports Company was formed in September 2000 following an amalgamation of the Shannon Estuary Ports Company and Foynes Port Company and operates as a commercial State port company under the Harbours Acts. The port company is statutorily responsible for the management, control, operation and development of the harbour as a commercial State port company.

Shannon Foynes Port Company must operate under a rigorous commercial mandate. The Minister is precluded from interfering in the day to day business of the port company, nor would it be appropriate for him to do so. The relationship between the Minister and the port companies is that of a shareholder with an independent board reporting to him in terms of corporate governance and effective use and management of State port assets.