Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I will add to the Chairman's comments in commending Deputy Tony McLoughlin for being the first person in the history of the State, as a non-member of a committee, to have a Bill reach Committee Stage. It is a real relief as approximately 26 Bills have proceeded through Second Stage but none has reached Committee Stage. It is important that we be the first, but that it has taken us five months is a source of concern. More than any other in the past year in this Dáil, the Bill has received widespread support.

I acknowledge the statement of the Minister of State and his officials that in changing the course of the Bill, they are not changing its effect. We are ad idemas this is a clear indication to everybody involved, including local communities, companies, the energy industry and others that once the Bill is enacted, there will be a clear and strong signal that there will be no fracking for shale oil or gas in Ireland in the future, unless the legislation is amended. There may have been some concern among local communities, particularly in counties Sligo and Leitrim, that any change to the Bill might have seen it being weakened. I am seeking an assurance from the Minister of State that the amendments being made will not in any way alter the intent of Deputy Tony McLoughlin's Bill in giving a clear and certain signal that it means the end of fracking for shale oil or gas in Ireland. Any judge listening or considering a case might reflect on these hearings and the intention will be doubly clear that we mean to end the process through this legislation.