Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

We need to focus on the diversification of supply. Liquefied natural gas would be an important factor in this regard, as would the other sources mentioned by Deputy Coveney. We also need to develop gas storage facilities so that 20% of our annual natural gas usage is stored, be it in disused fields or salt caves. These are the types of policy we must consider now. Above all, an emphasis on the economics of whatever strategy we develop will be important if we, as an exporting nation, are serious about keeping our energy costs down. They have a significant impact on the cost of the services and products we export.

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