Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)

It has also been facilitated by the general failure to focus attention on this vital national issue. The media should be included in this blame.

Since November 2004 we have the unpardonable case where a licence granted to Providence Resources, headed by the billionaire Sir Anthony O'Reilly, means the company can now benefit from a 20% stake while all the exploration costs are covered by Exxon Mobil. Instead of even a 20% stake for the Irish people, we get nothing from this speculation and exploitation of our own resources.

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