Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I have stated previously, and will continue to state, that if the situation changes and Ireland emerges as a potentially productive area like Norway or the North Sea where there are some 7,000 wells, the Government will not hesitate to introduce terms which secure a higher take for the Irish people.

Deputies will have an opportunity to make statements on the Corrib issue. I look forward to a constructive debate. It is clear that while the matter is by no means resolved and that difficulties remain which must be resolved, significant progress has been made which can be built on through the mediation process as well as the safety review and the public hearing. I look forward to this progress taking place in the coming weeks.

See this speech in context