Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This Bill does not change the current status of harbour masters or the current relationship between harbour masters and boards of directors. Everything the Senators have said about the important role of harbour masters in the operation of our ports is correct. I have met many of them in my journeys to various ports throughout the country. I have heard their absolute and genuine expertise on matters from dredging to sea walls. I have heard much about these topics. However, there is a fundamental difference between a director and an employee. That is what this boils down to. The relationship between boards of directors and harbour masters will be completely unchanged by the passage of this Bill. I assure Senators that this legislation does not in any way change the status of the harbour mastersvis-à-visthe boards of directors. The harbour masters will retain all the powers and rights they enjoy at the moment. Fundamentally, it is up to the directors on the boards of companies to decide who should attend meetings. As directors, they are responsible for the organisation of the company and for their employees. I assure Senators that contrary to what has been suggested, there is no question of any kind of a "retrograde step" here. This Bill does not in any way change the statutory responsibilities of harbour masters and boards of directors of harbours.