Fiona O'Malley (Dún Laoghaire, Progressive Democrats)

Deputies across the floor might have a fanciful notion that the State can hold the risk that comes with exploitation. Have they examined how much it costs to evaluate our reserves? A reserve is something about which one does not know. One is obliged to drill for it and it costs billions. Day after day and week after week, the Technical group Members come into the Chamber to ask the Government to spend money on X, Y or Z.

This is what I am talking about. Members should be honest about the option they provide.

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