Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I concur with the sentiments expressed by Senator O'Donovan and thank the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, and his civil servants who attended the House for days. They discussed the merits and demerits of this legislation. I refer to the point made by the Minister of State in response to my point. The ministerial amendments do not remove the power to abolish Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners. I take the Minister of State at his word and I hope this will not be the case. We cannot forget that this Bill is an assault on local democracy because it intends to remove councillors from boards of ports. I disagree fundamentally with that but I thank the Minister of State and his staff for their courtesy and I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence.