Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has met with the Association of County and City Councils, the Association of Municipal Authorities and the Local Authority Members Association to discuss the proposed changes to the governance of national harbours here in view of the impact that these proposed changes will have on the democratic representation on the national ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16915/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I have not met with the organisations the Deputy refers to, in relation to the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008. However, I have been in correspondence with both the Association of County and City Councils and the Association of Municipal Authorities.

The Bill recently completed all stages in the Seanad and will shortly commence its passage through the Dáil. The primary purpose of the Bill is to give effect to certain aspects of the Ports Policy Statement. One of its key recommendations was the need to enhance port company performance through reform of the board structure.

These recommendations are the basis for the provisions on board structure in the Bill. There will be ample opportunity to debate these proposals and other related matters during the passage of the Bill through the House.