John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will address the various issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5298/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Harbours Act 1946 provides the legislative basis for the membership of harbour authorities. Section 7(2) provides that the membership of those harbour authorities which are outlined in Part II of the First Schedule, which includes Sligo Harbour Authority, shall consist of the following eleven members: four members appointed by the local authorities; two members appointed by the chamber of commerce, where mentioned in the third column; two members elected by the qualified electors; and three members nominated by the Minister. Section 11 provides that where the Minister is of the opinion that the number of electors will be so few in number as to render inappropriate the holding of the election, the election shall not be held and the Minister shall appoint two members who are in his opinion representative of payers of tonnage rates.

The Harbour Authorities (Non-Holding of Elections) Order S.I. No 472 of 2004, was made by the former Minister on 20 July 2004. The order provided for the non-holding of elections in the case of a number of harbour authorities, including Sligo Harbour Authority. On 28 September 2004, five warrants of appointment were signed by my predecessor, Deputy Browne, in respect of appointments to Sligo Harbour Commissioners.