Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply, in which his concern about this development showed through. I acknowledge the work Deputy Stanton has done on the east Cork facility at Whitegate and his continuing engagement with the management there. It is a very sensitive issue. We look forward to the publication of the report on the refining policy of the Government. I presume the report will be discussed at the joint committee, where we could debate the issue further. I welcome the Minister's statement about the diversification of oil storage facilities, which can only enhance our fuel security.

A concern that must be addressed relates to job security at both facilities. The Minister will share my concern that in addressing national issues of oil security, refining and storage, issues of employment and management at the facilities must also be considered. I thank the Minister again for his response and look forward to the debate on the policy on oil refining and storage that he will shortly engage in.

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