Deputy Finian McGrath: I want to ask the Taoiseach a few questions about what is happening in Dublin Bay and the new port expansion plan by the Dublin Port Company. It is linked with the broader issue of job creation. Earlier the Taoiseach mentioned the possibility of commemorating the Battle of Clontarf of 1014. There could be another Battle of Clontarf shortly. Does the Taoiseach accept the principle.

Deputy Brendan Howlin: The Deputy is only allowed to ask one question.

Deputy Finian McGrath: that Dublin Bay belongs to the people of Dublin and Ireland, not just the port company? Does he agree that the bay needs to be preserved and that filling in 40 ha. of land would constitute environmental vandalism, particularly when the Dublin Port Company does not need the land? ls he aware of the anger expressed about the master plan launched by the serving Minister at the Cabinet, Deputy Leo Varadkar, despite the fact that the stated policy position of both Government parties before the general election wasthat no further infill of the bay would be supported? Does he accept that the late Seén Dublin Bay Loftus and groups such as Dublin Bay Watch and the Clontarf Residents Association have spent the last 30 years fighting with Govemments, City Hall and the Dublin Port Company to preserve and protect Dublin Bay and won that battle? With regard to the retention of employment, is the Taoiseach aware of the thousands of people who use Dublin Bay and walk on the sea front and the major impact this infill would have on local small businesses such as coffee shops, pubs and restaurants? What about the further potential of marine tourism and leisure destinations? Does the Taoiseach agree that Dublin Bay is a valuable natural resource and amenity and that filling in 40 ha. of it with rock, concrete and steel would seriously damage this asset?

Deputy Tom Hayes: We need a dual mandate.

The Taoiseach: Deputy Finian McGrath was mentioned in his absence as being the defender of Clontarf. Of course, I agree that Dublin Bay is a valuable amenity for the citizens of this city and country and those who come to visit us. ln fact, arising from Captain Bligh's plumbing contract - he did the assessment of Dublin Bay - l have often had the opportunity during the years ofwalking on Bull lsland and playing on the golf course. I hope the coffee shops and tourism outlets will thrive under the jobs initiative to be announced later by the Minister for Finance in the Dáil.

Deputy Dara Calleary: Their wages will be cut under it.

The Taoiseach: Obviously, this is a serious matter. Dublin Port is a powerhouse for jobs in this city and an important part of the economic strength of the country. Any proposals for development in Dublin Bay would have to be sustainable and go through a rigorous process. l am well aware of the campaign waged against a proposal to fill in sections of the bay in recent years, which l opposed. This is a matter that has been on the agenda for the past 30 years. Proposals for the development of Dublin Port would have to be sustainable and there is a rigorous process for dealing with them. Deputy Finian McGrath: Will the Taoiseach ask the management team of the Dublin Port Company to manage its 60 acres of port land more efficiently and use other ways of updating the port? I also ask him not to allow the bay to be destroyed by vested interests because of its major potential. l ask him whether his Cabinet is split on the matter. One Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, says he is against the infill, while another, Deputy Leo Varadkar, says he wants to get on with the job and supports the Dublin Port Company. ls there a split in the Cabinet? Can the Taoiseach inform me of the Government's policy on the proposal? l ask him to clarify once and for all where the Govemment, including the Labour Party, stands on the proposed infill.

The Taoiseach: I will refer the Deputy's request for more efficient management of the 600 acres of port land to the board of
the Dublin Port Company. As they say in Irish, téimid dluthcheangailte lena chéile ar seo. There is no scoilt, as the Deputy might call it. In fact, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, was there merely to make a presentation. The words of the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, are very clear. l assure the Deputy that, unlike the Battle of Clontarf, there is no split in the Cabinet on this matter.

Deputy Micheal Martin: Richard the Lionheart.