Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On amendment No. 1, it is not the case that Gas Networks Ireland would be legally allowed to focus solely on profit. It is subject to the climate Act. It is a named body so it must achieve the objectives set out in that Act, including the reduction in emissions and so on. It cannot solely focus on money.

Under the new EU gas package, there is a new directive to be implemented and, as a result, Ireland is legally required to implement rules on the use of biomethane and hydrogen and the decarbonisation of our gas network and our connection policy. We are required to put in those rules as part of the new directive on gas. That will place extra conditions and objectives on Gas Networks Ireland outside of solely making money. GNI clearly has a very important role in the decarbonisation of Ireland and in getting rid of the use of fossil fuels and switching to alternative fuels such as hydrogen and biomethane. GNI cannot focus solely on money.

Amendment No. 2 proposes that any order to change the majority shareholding Minister would require the prior approval of the Houses of the Oireachtas rather than such an order being subsequently laid before the Houses, where a resolution could then be passed to annul it. As I read it, the amendment proposes that such an order to change the majority shareholding Minister would require the explicit approval of both Houses rather than each House having the right to annul it. In other words, it gives the Houses a more active involvement. To me, it is the same thing. What we are saying in the Bill is that either House of the Oireachtas can, if it wishes, annul an order changing the majority share-holding Minister. It does not require the Houses to explicitly vote for it but, if either House wants to stop it, it can. They have that power. This is in line with the normal procedure and the normal pattern of other similar legislation. I believe the two measures are equivalent and, for that reason, I do not propose to accept the amendment.