Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State did not respond to my last question on this matter so perhaps he might do so in the context of these amendments. I wish to raise the issue of quality control. During consideration of the amendments on Committee Stage, I was not aware of certain matters which have been subsequently brought to my attention, such as the alleged poor quality of some of the oil supplies. A great deal of emphasis has been placed on the need to ensure an accessible supply is retained and this amendment attempts to enhance the security of that supply. Will the Minister of State comment on the quality of the supply? If the quality is not adequate it does not make sense to have it. The necessary supply will not be maintained because it will be of inferior quality. To preserve the objective of the Bill and ensure that NORA can do its job the Minister should consider to what extent he or his Department can control the quality, as it is imperative that we can. It is an important issue and I do not know whether, in today's avaricious world, people are aware of the need to ensure quality is of the highest standard. However, quality and quantity are of equal importance in this case and I suggest the Minister clarifies the issue with regard to stocks held in this country, which is the subject of a forthcoming amendment in Deputy Broughan's name.

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