Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

The Minister was not even here when I spoke before so he should allow me to finish. There is a neoliberal mantra which the Minister seems to have adopted which dismisses out of hand any State interest in such endeavours. The report mentions Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as other areas where this has been done. The State could develop expertise in this area if it put the work in, although it would take a certain amount of time. A national oil and exploration company owned and controlled by the public is the only way to guarantee that resources are used to benefit the common good.

Energy prices could be kept low because that is a serious issue for old people and for working class people who are suffering under the cosh of austerity, and the least environmentally damaging practices could be explored in a democratic way.

Fracking has been mentioned and should be rejected out of hand. It represents a short-term gain for the companies involved and lasting damage to our environment and our reputation as a clean food-producing nation, and will destroy rural areas. This is in nobody's interest but that of the companies. We can all see the potential for companies to write off corporation tax as they do in other areas. It is very disappointing that the State has opted once again to take no interest in, or control of, production in this sector.

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