Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I fail to understand that. Perhaps I just do not have the right angle on it. I thought my amendment presented a useful opportunity, particularly because it is considered useful to aspire to having an all-island energy policy. Such a policy would bring about the co-operation of the two regulatory authorities in the North and South and would bring recognition that it is better to have an all-island market than two separate ones. We may yet become part of an all-island and part-European market, in which case it will be of benefit to have accepted my amendment. For example, energy resources off our shores could comprise a very contentious issue in the years to come.

While there is no specific definition of our seas in the legislation, somebody could ask in the future why such a definition was not included and state it would have been very useful. I remember a frantic group of people crawling onto the island of Rockall half way out in the Atlantic some years ago. Does the Ceann Comhairle remember that? Such an issue could become very contentious and I therefore tabled my amendment. If the Minister of State is absolutely certain it is not required or is superfluous, I will not press it. Perhaps he will look into his heart and consider accepting it.

There have been more changes of Minister since morning than changes of the guard and I have no doubt there will be more personality changes before the day is out.

See this speech in context