Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

The second assessment of QRA, version F, is in the Department and in response to Deputy Broughan, I will publish it within the next few days. The concern of all Deputies in raising this matter is to try to resolve the current difficulties. I have a particular role regarding the consents and in essence, I am a regulator in this area, so I am precluded in terms of how I might intervene in the dispute. Efforts being made by the Deputies themselves and by the Council for the West should be given every opportunity to succeed. I understand dialogue is taking place. I am prepared, if it is of any benefit and if nothing comes of that dialogue, to nominate an intermediary. However, there is not much point in appointing an intermediary if either side is going to adopt an attitude that nothing is going to change or if the parties decide not to listen to one another. That would be a futile exercise. I hope and urge those involved, including the Council for the West, to try to reach some compromise. If all fails on that front——

See this speech in context