Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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76. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions taken by his Department to progress the aims of the national ports policy; the legislation he plans to publish in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40812/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The question relates to the progression of the new National Ports Policy that I launched in March of this year. The new policy provides an overarching framework for the future development of the Irish commercial ports sector. Since publication my officials have progressed implementation of the policy in a number of different areas:

- A Regulatory Impact Analysis in relation to the future transfer of control of the Ports of Regional Significance was published in August and submissions received on foot of the recently completed consultation period are under examination;

- Officials have met with stakeholders including ports, local authorities and others to discuss the proposed transfer of control of the Ports of Regional Significance;

- A strategic review of Rosslare Europort is now practically complete and I expect to be able to make recommendations on the report very shortly;

- A review of New Ross Port Company within the context of National Ports Policy has just been completed and its recommendations are now under examination;

- Officials have continued to liaise with their colleagues in the relevant Departments in respect of foreshore and Birds and Habitats Directive related issues.

One of the key proposals is the transfer of control of five current State commercial port companies from central to local government structures. This transfer of control will require legislative amendments to the existing Harbours Acts. The Regulatory Impact Analysis referred to above and the submissions received, as well as on-going discussions with relevant stakeholders, will help shape the required legislation which will of course be submitted to the relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee for consideration at the Heads of Bill stage. I hope to progress the matter in as timely a fashion as possible.