Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

It would not address the Senator's problem. It is not easy to introduce legislation and there is always a long queue. One cannot just say one wants legislation next week or month; it is a long, slow process. The maritime section of my Department, not to mention other Departments, is already working on three different Bills. Legislation involves a long, slow process and it so happens that because the process of due diligence has slowed down so much, the Senator is suspicious of the way things have worked out. That is how I see it and I do not know if it reassures the Senator in any way. He is considering the matter from a particular point of view.

I am a little amused by the Senator's comments over the Port of Cork and his references to London. I can understand why there is such mistrust in GAA quarters in Cork if the Senator is so bloody suspicious and linking Cork city with London and our history over 800 years. Obviously there is a parochial attitude in the county that I do not fully grasp, even though both my parents came from there. I do not believe anyone is trying to pull wool over the Senator's eyes, as such. There is a process in place and the sequence of events is not what would have been predicted, but any commitments that were made are still valid. The process will take place and we are copper-fastening it by including it in legislation.