Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

In respect of amendments Nos. 9 and 19, is there some future plan to extend the remit of Waterways Ireland to take over the functions of local authorities in this area? The legislation seems to place Waterways Ireland at a plane just above that of the other bodies. The provisions indicate that local authorities and harbour companies can enter into joint agreements. I assume this means, for example, that local authorities can make by-laws in respect of waters under the jurisdiction of harbour authorities but not in the jurisdiction of Waterways Ireland. I do not argue it would be a negative development for Waterways Ireland to become a more powerful body in the future but I seek the Minister of State's clarification on this point.

A number of ports come under the provisions of the Harbours Acts 1946 and 1976. Does this legislation refer to some of the larger ports, such as Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Shannon, Limerick and so on?