Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

There is no doubt there is huge merit in any commercial port company being obliged to submit a report to the Minister within a reasonable period. It is envisaged that, if the legislation is passed, there will be a major contraction in the number of commercial ports to perhaps six or seven. Will the reports to which the amendment refers be laid before both Houses for scrutiny and will they be made available to the relevant all-party Oireachtas committee? Will they be made available to other Ministers or Departments?

I am interested in keeping an eagle eye on developments at a number of ports, particularly because seafaring and fishing are in my blood. I have no difficulty with the amendment. The four-month period within which port companies will be obliged to report to the Minister is reasonable. Will matters stop there? The Minister probably has the power to analyse or react to such reports. However, Members of the Dáil and Seanad may not have the opportunity, through the all-party Oireachtas committee dealing with the relevant Department, to scrutinise and consider them. Perhaps the Minister of State will clarify the position as to what is intended.