Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I thank the clerk and his staff for inviting me here this evening for this Committee Stage debate. I thank the Chairman for her support and assistance thus far. It has been greatly appreciated to date. I take this opportunity to thank all of the Oireachtas Members of this committee for their support of my Bill. I also thank all of the members of the Oireachtas joint committee who compiled the pre-legislative scrutiny report that was launched last month. I thank the Members who attended the launch and recently spoke to the media and local groups that attended.

The report, which firmly supports the need and scope of my Bill, was yet another indication that Dáil Éireann, as a whole, is committed to acting to prohibit the process of fracking from ever being allowed to occur in this country. It joins the unique moment on a day in September 2016 whereby all parties bar none in the Dáil came together to speak in support of the Bill on Second Stage. I wish to state for the record of the committee that I have brought the Minister's amendments that were before us today to the close attention of the communities in both counties Sligo and Leitrim. Over the past number of weeks I have analysed and discussed the amendments with groups such as Lovely Leitrim, Good Energies Alliance Ireland and others. They have informed me this week that the amendments have been accepted on the ground and they welcome what has happened here this evening. On that note, the speed and momentum with which this Bill has cleared pre-legislative scrutiny and Committee Stage must be highlighted. Others outside of the House have overlooked the difficult political realities and requirements involved when writing legislation. I wish to acknowledge, in particular, the scrutiny required when dealing with a Private Members' Bill and the politics involved in having such Bills accepted by the Government and the Department. I acknowledge that this Bill is unique legislation that has moved very quickly through the Houses. I acknowledge each and every person involved and thank them for their efforts. No efforts have been made to undermine or delay the legislation. I suspect that the Bill could not have proceeded any quicker and I ask the Minister of State to clarify this.

I am a humble backbencher from the Sligo-Leitrim constituency. For me, today is a groundbreaking moment in Irish politics.

I am aware that a Private Members' Bill, let alone one from a non-committee member, rarely if ever reaches Committee Stage in the legislative process. What has happened here today proves that new politics, despite all of the negative comments the media, can work and works quite well. This Bill's passage to Report and Final Stages is solid proof. The Government has accepted this Bill and I presume that it will table its own amendments to improve the legislation. I anticipate that the Bill will reach Report and Final Stages quickly and will make substantial progress by the summer recess. I thank the Chairman, all of the Members and the Minister of State who are present, the Minister and all of the officials for their assistance.