Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will provide a full report on the recent appointments to the board of Shannon Foynes Port company and the relevant qualifications of all appointed board members; if he is satisfied that all outstanding issues at Shannon Foynes Port company have been fully resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33402/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Port company board appointments are made in accordance with Section 30 of the Harbours Act 1996. In advance of such appointments Section 30(7) of the Harbours Act 1996 provides that nominations are sought from relevant organisations. Such recommendations are considered when making appointments. However, appointments remain at the discretion of the Minister.

In the case of the six vacancies on the board of Shannon Foynes Port Company eight nominations were received as part of the statutory consultation. On 25 September 2008, six directors were appointed to the board of Shannon Foynes Port Company, including a new chairperson.

I believe these appointments provide the board with an appropriate balance of skills, competencies and experience to enable the board to provide renewed leadership and strategic direction to the company.

The last few years have been difficult for the company. In 2006 and 2007, the company was party to a number of related legal disputes. In October 2007, an out of court settlement was reached between the parties.

Following the settlement, my Department considered the financial position of the company and has further reviewed the accounts for 2007 in the context of the 2008 AGM. Minister Dempsey also met with the former chairman of the company on 3 March 2008.

This has provided some reassurance that the company is addressing its financial difficulties, while continuing to operate and develop the business. My Department will continue to closely monitor the financial situation of the company in accordance with normal corporate governance practice.