Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply but I ask him to clarify one or two points. First and foremost, the role of the harbour master is unique in that they are an arm of the State. They are charged with the protection of the State's assets and particularly with respect to the environment and the security of shipping lanes under their control. In addition, I wonder if there is any impediment to appointing the harbour master as a worker director to the board. The Minister pointed out the excellent example of the County Louth port where the harbour master attends all the board meetings. One could also have mentioned the Limerick harbour board; as far as I recall, in the past the harbour master was specifically instructed not to attend board meetings.It would be no harm if the Minister put on the record that, as a general rule, it would be preferable to have the harbour master in the room for board meetings. I do not ask for him or her to be a voting member but will the Minister accept the principle that he or she should be in the room for board meetings?