Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Some gremlins got into our question and it did not come out exactly as we submitted it. Does the Minister share the concerns about the fragile ecosystem of the north-west Mayo area around Erris? Does he believe that a proper evaluation should be considered by the Government? For the past 20 years, Shell has faced the least regulation of oil and gas companies in the world in this area. Could Shell and its partners be made to re-examine this?

The Minister expects gas flows from early 2007. What percentage of our gas usage will come from the Corrib field by 2010? What prospects are there for other significant finds in that coastal area?

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