Michael McCarthy (Labour)

My point is that the amendments are similar. I will speak only in respect of the amendments currently under discussion. However, when the others arise for discussion, I will already have my contribution made because the points relating to both groups are the same.

The Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, is present. However, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, should be here to answer questions in respect of consultation and the commitments given to people in Bantry. Has the Department engaged in consultation with or received correspondence from the Association of Municipal Authorities in Ireland, AMAI, or the Association of County and City Councils, ACCC, in respect of the Bill this week?

If we are intent on passing legislation that is good for the country, the least we should do is to consult people. This matter is critically important and it could prove to be of major economic and social benefit to Bantry and the least the Minister should offer to do is meet the Bantry Bay harbour commissioners to discuss it. Most people are reasonable. If everyone sat down around a table and discussed the circumstances and issues at hand, a consensus might be reached. At the very least, however, such a meeting would involve consultation. The Minister could indicate to the people of Bantry what it is intended to do and ask if they have any recommendations.

I am not happy with what has happened to date. I am most disappointed that the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, gave commitments to Bantry Bay harbour commissioners and did not follow through on them. The Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, did not introduce the legislation or provide commitments. However, he is obliged to deal with this part of the Committee Stage debate. I will be interested to discover whether correspondence has been received from the AMAI or the ACCC.