Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Energy Bill 2016 was referred to the Select Committee on Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources by order of the Dáil of 29 June. This meeting has been convened for the purpose of consideration of the Bill. I welcome the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Denis Naughten, and his officials. I thank them for their attendance and arranging briefings for members of the select committee. The meeting was arranged at the earliest available date, consistent with Standing Orders and the Minister's availability. I know that he attended the European Council meeting in Bratislava and I welcome him back. In advance of dealing with the Bill, he might outline its importance. There was a certain urgency in progressing it, for which he might outline the reasons.