Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend Senator Horkan for calling for this debate. The transfer of the functions of DLHC to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is shrouded in confusion. It is disappointing that this debate falls on the day on which, I understand, the transfer is due to be completed. The risk assessor's report has projected a net financial risk of €33.5 million to the council, local property taxpayers, commercial ratepayers and the communities of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The Harbours Act 2015 provides for the transfer in respect of all assets, liabilities and staff in accordance with sections 30 and 32. Option B is, therefore, not up for consideration by councillors. Rather, they must consider the impact on the council's budget and whether the transfer will result in the cutting of vital services to communities and vulnerable groups in their area. Yesterday, the Minister of State, Deputy John Paul Phelan, said in the Dáil that not all of the €33.5 million liability would be transferred to the council. This appears to be at odds with the Harbours Act and with what Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown county councillors have been told. Without the benefit of a figure, the Government believes the county council will be liable for the socialising of semi-State private debt. This warrants full scrutiny by the local authority. A substantial liability could have a direct impact on its ability to provide local services and build the homes that are urgently required.

I ask the Minister to clarify how he proposes to ensure the financial burden of this transfer does not impact unduly on the people of the area. The staff of the harbour company have commenced the process of transferring contracts. Can the Minister confirm that all pensions and entitlements of former employees will be honoured? With the council now in charge of the historic harbour, perhaps fresh consideration will be given to the location of the national genealogical centre, incorporating a centre for migration and diaspora studies as proposed by the Genealogical Society of Ireland to the harbour company in 2011. The idea was subsequently incorporated in the harbour company's 2013 proposal for a national diaspora centre and the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown development plan supports this objective. I encourage the council to work with the society to achieve this objective. I also encourage the Department to engage with the society in support of this venture.