Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will appoint a new chairperson of Dublin Port; if he will appoint a person with strong experience and expertise in ports here and the maritime industry in view of the challenges facing Dublin Port and the whole marine sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5832/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The chairman of Dublin Port Company announced his resignation from the post on 29 January 2009. The chairman's resignation leaves a vacancy on the board to be filled. Before filling such a vacancy, section 30 of the Harbours Act 1996 provides for consultation with a number of bodies.

Various bodies including the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, IBEC and ICTU have been invited to submit nominations for this vacancy. I will take any such nominations into account when making my decision.

The Ports Policy Statement published in January 2005 gives a number of indications with regard to port company board appointments. It points out that an appropriate balance of skills, competencies and experience is required at board level in order to ensure that the board is capable of providing the leadership and strategic direction required to control and guide the port efficiently and effectively. It is also important that board members cultivate a commercial ethos and display a genuine dedication to the welfare of the port and all its stakeholders. I will bear these points in mind when making my decision.