It would not involve too much expense. Regarding Rosslare harbour, can the Minister indicate what his plans are for the harbour authority? Already he has given us some general lines on development and in this context he mentioned a provision of £500,000. Perhaps he would tell us what his plans are for the harbour authority and the powers they will have for the development of the harbour.

There is ongoing investment in the harbour with, as the Deputy says, provision of £500,000 this year. I was at Rosslare harbour in the past week and I was glad to notice some of the improvements that have been effected there, for instance, the provision of a passenger gangway which was badly needed. In the national plan the Government outlined their proposal for the setting up of a harbour authority who would run Rosslare harbour. As I said then, this change would require both Irish and British legislation because of Rosslare harbour having been set up in conjunction with Fishguard. There is no problem about preparing the relevant legislation here and having it passed but the difficulty is in persuading the British authorities to act with similar expedition and that is a matter over which we have no control, though we have been in contact with them several times on this subject. In the meantime I have discussed with CIE ways and means of bringing about local involvement in the running of the port. I expect a report from the chairman of CIE in that regard in the near future. I am very keen that some local people would be involved in the running of the port.

Would the Minister clarify what the British attitude is, whether they have indicated they are in favour generally of the proposal or that while they agree with the change they cannot give the necessary legislation priority at the moment?

The general impression is that there is no difficulty with the British apart from the problem of their finding time to draft the legislation and then parliamentary time for its enactment.