77 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his policy for the operation of seaports here; the reason there is no mention of such a policy in Transport 21 2005-2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2256/11]

Policy in relation to the State's commercial seaports is outlined in the Ports Policy Statement, which was published in 2005. In September 2010 I announced a public consultation period on a review of current policy and the consultation document is available on my Department's website; www.transport.ie. The public consultation period has now concluded and my Department is considering the submissions received. Current policy is that the State's ports, which operate as commercial entities, are expected to fund all capital investments without recourse to the Exchequer. It is on this basis that no funding is provided for port infrastructure under Transport 21.