asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the setting up of a harbour authority for Howth in the near future.

The Commissioners of Public Works are the managing authority for Howth Harbour. I see no reason to alter that arrangement.

Will the Minister relate his reply to the position in Dún Laoghaire? Has the Minister examined the possibility of establishing a harbour authority for Dún Laoghaire?

The question dealt with Howth Harbour only.

Has the Minister investigated the possibility of establishing a harbour authority in Dún Laoghaire?

No. In my reply I pointed out that the Commissioners of Public Works are the managing authority for Howth Harbour and I saw no reason to alter that arrangement?

Why not?

I do not see any reason why I should.

Will the Minister give the House his reasons for not altering that arrangement?

Firstly, I cannot give a good reason why we should alter the arrangement.

With respect, that is not a reason.

Howth Harbour has been administered by the Commissioners of Public Works since 1836. It had been transferred to them under an Act at that time. There is an Act that deals with fishery harbours and it governs Howth to a certain extent. However, Howth Harbour is well managed by us and because of that I do not see any reason why the commissioners should recommend any new structure.

I am puzzled to know why Deputy Manning asked the Minister to consider the possibility of a harbour authority for Howth. In regard to that will the Minister examine the possibility of establishing a harbour authority for Dún Laoghaire?

I will not answer a question about Dún Laoghaire when dealing with a question about Howth Harbour.

Dún Laoghaire is only across the bay from Howth.

I am aware of that and if the Deputy tables a question about Dún Laoghaire I will reply to it.

It is in the European constituency. Will the Minister tell the House if Howth Harbour is one of the main fishery harbours? If it is, is it not more appropriate that it should be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Fisheries? I understood that was the intention.

The Fishery Harbour Centres Acts of 1968 and 1980 deal with Howth and other harbours. Howth is a fishing and amenity harbour.

It is a very good amenity harbour and that is what we want in Dún Laoghaire.

It is primarily a fishing harbour and development has been carried out there by the Department of Fisheries and Forestry. There is power under the Act to enable the Department of Fisheries and Forestry to develop it, if they wish.