Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I had anticipated this question. Some harbour masters fear that the Bill's provisions for the appointment of authorised persons to enforce the law against improper use of fast powered water craft would interfere with their safety and their other duties under the Harbours Acts. I am advised that this fear is not well founded.

Harbour masters are appointed by the port companies and I expect that when such companies appoint authorised persons, that the harbour masters would be some of the appointees and would be fully involved in all safety matters. It is not an issue for the Legislature but for the port companies. I would be overstepping my responsibility in naming specific people. It is for me to refer to authorised persons and it is a matter for the requisite bodies to decide who they should be.