Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his indulgence, understanding and timely intervention. These amendments would have been grouped at an earlier juncture, perhaps in late November, in discussing the Committee Stage of this Bill.

It is probably impossible to make points that have not already been made. I return to the issue of Bantry. Amendments Nos. 8, 9 and 13 to 17, inclusive, are in my name and those of my party colleagues. I will vote against this Bill and ask Government Members on the other side of the House who feel as strongly as I do and share my concerns on dismantling local government to do the same. I return to the point because it refers a piece in the Section which will abolish Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners and put them into Cork Port. The reality is that Bantry will not get the priority it now enjoys due to the autonomy it currently enjoys. There is no financial case to be made for abolishing Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners because it has returned profits, albeit small, in recent years.

This Bill aims to abolish Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners and that is something to which we are opposed. It is an issue which is very important to local people. It is also very important for the marine life in west Cork and the coastal community. It is a disgrace that the Minister in charge of this Bill has not come into this House. With all due respect to Deputy Ahern, he is not the Minister who gave a commitment to the people of Bantry last year that they would be consulted on any proposals to transfer authority from Bantry Port to Cork Port.

The Bill will have the effect of divorcing local knowledge currently enjoyed by Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners if it is transferred to Cork. If the documentation and correspondence sent to the Department was read and considered by officials and the Minister, Deputy Ahern would be aware of that today. It goes back to consultation.

It is a disgrace that a commitment is given by a senior Minister to a group of people — I have correspondence and proof of such in writing — and he could not be bothered to honour the commitment given. I have heard enough nonsense from various Ministers about this Bill.

To abolish Bantry harbour commission and transfer it to Cork Port is not good enough. People will not stand for it, there is no economic necessity for it and no political will for it locally. I urge Members on both sides of the House to speak with their feet when votes are called on this Bill. I will begin to call them and will continue to call quorums so I can have a constructive debate with the Minister on this matter.

I urge Members to follow us into the lobbies to ensure we do not turn our backs and betray the people of Bantry, who enjoy autonomy and should be able to run their own affairs without interference from Government or Cork Port.