Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

This amendment was tabled in order that we might deal with the lack of consultation that has been associated with the Bill from the outset. This is a cause of great concern not only to the people of Bantry and Fenit but also to local representatives and Oireachtas Members. Two Members of the Dáil, Deputy P. J. Sheehan and Deputy Jim O'Keeffe, are champing at the bit to deal with this legislation when it goes to the Dáil. I respect the bona fides of the sentiments expressed by Senator O'Donovan in this regard and on the issue of lack of consultation. For goodness sake, if a Minister introduces a Bill without consultation with the parties involved, he should know he will run into trouble with this attitude. I am not referring to the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern. The senior Minister has not lived up to his responsibilities where consultation is concerned. This appears to be an operation by diktat rather than through consultation.

Senator McCarthy referred to correspondence from the Association of County and City Councils. I received correspondence yesterday relating to the issue I addressed in depth last week, that is, the proposal to reduce the number of local authority members from three to a possibility of one and possibly abolish local authority membership, as a result of the report of some experts in this area. Again, consultation is the key word and there was no consultation with anybody in that regard, be it the Association of County and City Councils or the other association representing local authority members.

I commend Senator Donohoe on putting forward this amendment. Even if it is not accepted by the Minister, it is important that the issue of lack of consultation about this Bill is discussed. Certainly, Senator O'Donovan has given the matter a good airing over the past hour or so and I am sure he has more to say. I now know more about Bantry Bay and harbour than about all the bays and inlets around the coastline. I thank Senator O'Donovan for that information and his expertise on the subject.

This amendment was put down to highlight the lack of consultation by the Minister. The Minister is including flexibility in the legislation to provide for the transfer of small harbours to the control of either the local authority or the local port companies. One cannot impose flexibility; it is earned after consultation. The Minister is remiss in this area and the lack of consultation will get a considerably greater airing. However, he should be afforded the opportunity of replying to the amendment and the many points raised in the past hour or so on this matter.