Beverley Flynn (Mayo, Independent)

The first point the Minister made is correct, that is, a resolution to this dispute can only be achieved through negotiation. However, as long as the five men are in jail, there will be no negotiation. The local people of Rossport are not prepared to negotiate without them. An opportunity must be created by the Minister to facilitate talks. The jailings have created tension throughout County Mayo and are regarded as very unfair. The heavy hand of the law has been wielded against ordinary, decent family men. This does not help to advance the project for Shell and it is keeping men from their families. The Department cannot remain remote because, as the Minister correctly stated, he most definitely does have a role to play, particularly with regard to giving consent. Perhaps the Minister would provide clarity because there seems to be some confusion among local people. Does the consent allow for Shell to go in and peg out the way leave for the laying of the pipe? Is it correct to state that consent for the laying of the pipe has not yet been granted? The Minister must consider the matter very carefully before he advances any further on the issue of consent, particularly in light of the present situation.

The Minister mentioned that the QRA is in the public domain, but that is not correct. It is not in the public domain because the Minister's Department will not allow it. It has asked for the QRA not to be published at the present time until all consents are available. However, as the Minister told the House, all consents have not been granted at this time.

It is proposed not to odorise the gas in the pipeline from the well-head to the terminal. When it passes by these people's houses, it will do so without any odour. Bord Gáis usually odorises gas so that leaks can be detected. Can this concern be simply rectified? Will the Minister consider the matter?

The position will escalate and more people will be available to go to jail. There will be no movement whatsoever on the project unless the Minister takes matters into his own hands. We do not want him to interfere with the High Court decision, but he can create an environment in negotiation with Shell and the local community for this matter to be resolved. The men should be able to purge their contempt without any loss of face. Why should they lose face? They have done nothing wrong except try to defend their own interests and resolve safety fears. There is no need for anybody to lose face if the Minister creates the environment to make negotiations possible.

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