Mr. Matthew Collins:

On that, what one is looking at there is research and surveying work that was carried out a very long time ago so the data for the Celtic Sea would probably be much older, and whether that is the most accurate and up-to-date picture is difficult to say. There is probably scope there for a more modern interpretation and data to be provided in those basins.

Regarding the Atlantic margin, what has stimulated the exploration in that area is the successful exploration that has taken place in the Atlantic, whether one is looking off the coast of Africa or South America, as well as the discoveries and production taking place off the east coast of America. The new understanding that has emerged with these discoveries and the production that has taken place have stimulated a greater level of interest in terms of prospectivity and possible reserves off the west coast and in the deeper areas to which Deputy Eamon Ryan referred.

The particular parallel that one finds in the map described by Deputy Eamon Ryan and the companies that are in that area correspond to Newfoundland and Labrador. The geologists have identified parallels between the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Porcupine region off the Irish coast. That is the focus of identifying the potential in the area.

I mentioned UCC and why its research is of interest to many stakeholders in the area in terms of the data it provided. I would not say that the Department cheers on gas. We are talking about a wide range of technologies and the transition from the existing fossil fuel dominated energy system to a much more diversified system. We are going to have increased emphasis on energy efficiency, and a much greater role for renewable energies, but within that context there will be a role for fossil fuel and there are new technologies that will be emerging in that space as well. It is important to put that in context. If that is the future we are looking at in 2050, where different scenarios will exist and where there is an element of fossil fuel, we should be conscious of that when we are making the decision that we are not going to look for our own reserves in that area.

Another issue that has been raised is whether we are going to encourage renewable energy investment and the ability of Ireland to make a statement in terms of our commitment to a long-term transition change and investment in renewable energies. Reference was made to Ireland being ranked 28th, but the difficulty with the Bill is that it would not have any impact on the rankings. It would leave Ireland in the same position because it would not change our consumption of energy. The real actions that are going to demonstrate Ireland's long-term commitment to climate change include improving our efficiency, reducing our energy demand and increasing renewable energies.

If one thinks about some of the countries that have been ranked high, I understand Denmark is in the top ten, and while it is the second largest oil producer in the European Union, it is also one of the most ambitious countries in Europe for wind energy. It is a country that sees that a portfolio of options is the best way forward. It is exploring and producing in its offshore region and at the same time it is making commitments to achieve more renewables. More than 50% of its electricity is generated from renewable energy. Similarly, Portugal was ranked second or third in that list. It is a country that has a very high ranking but it also has an active exploration policy while at the same time making significant investment in renewable energy. Each country is responding to its own circumstances to achieve the transition to a low-carbon economy.