Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 335: To ask the Minister for Transport the date of establishment of the Commissioners of Irish Lights; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6594/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The establishment of the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) predates the foundation of the State. The lights service dates back to the 18th century. CIL was established in that name by the Dublin Port Act of 1867. CIL has responsibility under the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, an Act of the UK Parliament for the superintendence and management of all lighthouses and other aids to navigation in respect of the State and the adjacent seas and islands. The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (UK) empowers the Commissioners with the same function for Northern Ireland and the adjacent seas and islands.

The entire system of lights around the coasts of Britain and Ireland is administered as a single financial unit known as the General Lighthouse Fund (GLF). The GLF is controlled by the UK Department for Transport (DfT). As a result, the three GLA's are under the aegis of the DfT. Due to this unique link, the Aids-to-Navigation Section of the Department of Transport monitors, but does not control the activities of CIL.

The Board of CIL comprises up to 16 Commissioners including the Lord Mayor of Dublin and 3 others nominated by Dublin City Council together with 12 co-opted members; these latter positions are filled by the Board as vacancies occur and 5 Executive members. As Minister for Transport I have no role in the appointment of Commissioners.