Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I agree with much of what the Minister said. However, will he take action to require increased storage capacity rather than talk about the opportunities which exist in empty gas fields off Kinsale or in Northern Ireland or about potential storage of liquefied natural gas in places like Foynes?

We need a Government decision. We have the capacity to store 55 days of oil. Some of this is stored outside the State, which is also a concern. With regard to gas, we are particularly vulnerable to an accident or a shutting-off of supply, for whatever reason. That is something for which we must prepare and on which the Government should take a stand in terms of Government policy. Is the Minister willing to do that?

See this speech in context