Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I will stick to the amendments before the House. I will respond to what Deputy Durkan said. My mother used to say that if you had a dog, you should not bark yourself. These amendments are in that category. There is no point in setting up a semi-State agency such as NORA to do a job within the limits set down in legislation by this House and then second-guessing it on the appointment of consultants and other issues that are the business of the company itself. I do not think that the phrase "as determined from time to time by the Minister" is necessary. It does not add anything to it. The levy is determined by the Minister and that is catered for elsewhere. One of these amendments represents an undue interference in the running of the company and the other amendment is not necessary because the Minister is the only person to determine the levy.

It would be wonderful to get gas into the towns in Mayo that have now been approved for it. The Deputy might try to help us to ensure that happens.

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