Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on amending legislation to give harbour police powers under the Road Traffic Acts in consultation with the Minister for Transport, in view of the rising number of accidents in the port area. [28573/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Harbour Acts, only Dublin Port Company and Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company have the power to appoint harbour police; no such harbour police exist in the other ports in the country. The current situation under the Road Traffic Acts is that any road traffic accident that occurs within a port area is investigated by the Garda Síochána, in much the same manner as an accident on a public road. As part of their general security and safety role, I understand it is practice for the harbour police to also prepare a report on any such accidents. In light of the fact that the expertise in investigating road traffic accidents and indeed the powers to prosecute any such accidents, lie with the Garda, I do not see any need for legislative amendments giving further powers to the harbour police.