Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I support amendments Nos. 69 and 71 in the name of Deputy Broughan. Reference has already been made to what the Minister said on Committee Stage with regard to the fact that adequate provisions have already been made and that we must comply with European regulations in this regard. Notwithstanding this, we are an island nation and are somewhat isolated from the rest of Europe. For that reason, it might be helpful to recognise that what is applicable in the rest of Europe may not suit us, particularly in the energy area and with regard to storage capacity here. I know we have the ability to store oil in Europe also.

There could come a time when, due to circumstances outside our control or that of Europe, our requirements may change. This could happen overnight and for that reason Deputy Broughan's amendments are constructive and useful. They would strengthen the Bill and protect the interests of the people and the country both domestically and industrially.

I put forward amendment No. 70 for the same reason. I know the Minister replied on Committee Stage and pointed out the Bill is compliant with all the European Union regulations with which we must comply. Like everybody in the House, I am a strong European, perhaps stronger than others. This has nothing to do with the Bill, but I would like to mention in passing that when we joined the European Union we had a healthy fishing industry. However, it is rapidly disappearing. Perhaps we contributed to its disappearance, given the limited scale of our activity in the area.

Therefore, to those who might be critical of what Deputy Broughan and I are trying to say here, I make no apology when I point out that our circumstances may be somewhat different. With no disrespect, perhaps the European Union, which acts in everybody's best interest, did not legislate sufficiently for all eventualities. When it achieves utopia in the area, we will listen to it. Notwithstanding what the Minister has said, the amendments are worthy and have the potential to strengthen Irish interests and requirements.

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