Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I move amendment No. 73:

In page 20, line 40, after "Agency" to insert the following:

"and in accordance with the terms of the national emergency contingency plan".

This amendment relates to the role of NORA in releasing oil stocks in cases of particular urgency. Section 35 refers to the Minister's ability, after consulting the agency, to issue directions for the release of stocks to particular sectors and in accordance with basic procedures. The amendment proposes that this should be done in accordance with the national emergency contingency plan. If the nation were faced with an external shock, whether from geopolitical difficulties, war or any other emergency, one assumes the national emergency contingency plan would take precedence and the Minister would act in accordance with it in releasing oil stocks. I am interested in the Minister of State's view on this amendment.

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