Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 11, line 49, to delete paragraph (c).

We addressed this issue under section 8. At the risk of repeating myself, this section deals with local authority members. Reducing from three to one the number of local authority members on the boards of port authorities, with the consequent loss of their local and business knowledge, is a retrograde step for all concerned. The Minister has stated that he "may" appoint a local authority member to the boards. If he had said he "shall" do so, we could at least be certain of there being one local authority member. As it stands, however, all we have is a statement from the Minister that he may appoint one. This is unacceptable. I have referred to my experience of being a member of one of these boards and, prior to the establishment of the commercial port companies, a harbour commissioner. The knowledge imparted by local authority members to the former harbour commissioners and to the boards of port companies is second to none.

It seems, however, members of local authorities, even where their relevant knowledge and business experience make them ideal candidates, may be debarred from membership of the boards. Why debar those in whom people have placed their trust to represent them? We have had reports from nameless officials claiming that local authority members should be cut from these boards. What is the reason for this? Is it that local authority members ask the awkward questions? Is it that they always attend meetings of the board? I see no reason for the proposed exclusion other than a vindictiveness towards those who are elected by their peers to local government. This is a feature not only of this Bill but of several others in recent years. What is the agenda? I have seen areas where the accommodation of vested interests has been to the detriment of the proper running of port authorities. I see no reason, however, for the exclusion of local authority members elected by the public.

I referred last week to Waterford Port, where there are three local government representatives, comprising one from the city council, one from Waterford County Council and one from Kilkenny County Council, where the majority of the port is now situated. Which of these representatives will be retained if there is to be only one local government member? The Minister referred to the possibility of some type of rotational system, but there is no legislation to facilitate that. Until such time as the relevant measures are included in this Bill, I and my party cannot support the exclusion of local authority members.

Amendment No. 4 seeks to retain local authority membership of the boards of port companies. Those members have acted in the best interests of the public and the ports since the port companies came into being. They should be allowed to continue that excellent representation. Irrespective of what reports are produced by whatever so-called experts, I disagree totally that local authority membership should be reduced.