Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In light of the responses, do the witnesses think that is feasible, bearing in mind their own recommendations? The State agencies are going about this process in a certain manner. The Department has made its position clear. It is relying on the EPA and the EPA has pointed out that it is not going to get involved in anything until the research is completed. The geology in Ireland is different, and the witnesses made the point that what is happening overseas does not necessarily apply to here.

Therefore, is it not feasible for this country to compile every available piece of information on how this process would impact on the Irish environment and for the decision to be taken then at that point? The consultative process mentioned is built into the decision making process and is required before anything can go ahead. Notwithstanding the position taken, which I support, what other alternative is there? Good Energies Alliance asks that a decision be taken right now, but there seems in my view to be an absence of information specific to Irish geology. Does the alliance share that view? With the understanding that the process as we have seen it outlined is horrendous, would having a definitive conclusion on what would affect and impact the Irish environment not strengthen everybody's case? In that case we would have our own conclusions, not those of America, Europe or anywhere else. Is there merit in that?