Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for restating the current position. We are on the hind foot in relation to hydraulic fracturing. I do not understand why expressions of interest were even requested in the first instance. I do not know what persuasion or logic was used when it was decided to look for expressions of interest, nor do I know what persuasion or logic was used in order to issue the exploratory licences. I am aware that an energy company in Canada has taken legal action against a state government that exercised its right to keep a clean environment. It is clear that Tamboran Resources, and companies like it, will take legal action against this State if it does the right thing by protecting our environment and our tourism and agriculture interests. By delaying a decision to ban fracking entirely, we are facilitating a company to take legal action against the State.

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