John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

The provision, as drafted, provides for the release of strategic reserves by NORA in emergency situations. To meet its obligations to the International Energy Agency, IEA, and the EU, for instance, Ireland may be required to release oil reserves to avoid a supply disruption. A second example would be a local shortage of a specific product. In the case of NORA, the release of stocks would follow a direction from the Minister. I am satisfied that the text as it stands adequately provides for the release of stocks in emergency situations. I do not accept the Deputy's amendment.

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