Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Even in the best run societies, mistakes can be and have been made. It was unfortunate that insufficient cognisance was taken of the needs of local people and the community dividend during the initial stages of the development of oil and gas exploration for resources which are as yet unknown. This was a simple matter which should have been taken on board. While no one expects buckets of gas or oil to be handed out to local people — it does not work that way — the needs of the local community should always be borne in mind.

For example, it would be crazy to lay down a water main in any part of the country and to exclude local people from it. Hence, if one wishes to reconsider this case, it would be a simple matter to examine our consciences carefully and ask whether we did the right thing. With all due respect to the Minister and everyone else involved, matters should have been handled slightly differently.

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