Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. The Bill has arrived at long last. In recent years, the oil supply issue has been to the fore. The debate gives us an opportunity to examine how our natural resources are distributed on behalf of the people. We are at a crossroads regarding our natural resources, given that our citizens want a fair share of them. They want equality, decency and honesty in their distribution. We should not be afraid to consider best practice in other states. Every Member should accept this as part of his or her responsibility as a legislator. I strongly welcome the contribution of the Shell to Sea campaign and the Rossport five over the past 12 months on this issue. They are a group of individuals concerned not only about health and safety issues near their homes, but also about how we deal with our natural resources.

There is significant potential to develop such resources in the interests of the people, and other countries have adopted a sensible, commonsense approach. I am open to suggestions as to how such matters should be dealt with. However, I accept the genuine criticism of many people to the effect that in the past 20 years, many individuals have been allowed off the hook with regard to our natural resources. Members must be sufficiently brave to face up to and deal with the matter in hand.

In the context of the wider debate on this Bill, it is of great importance that Members should listen to constructive points. I reject DeputyKelly's earlier remarks. In particular, I reject his attack on Deputy Cowley regarding such issues. Members with objections and concerns have every right to put them on the record of the House.

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