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

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 16, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following:“(6) Any activity referred to in subsection (5) where relevant activity was suspended shall be reported to the Commission.”.

I understand legislation does not contain negatives. Amendment No. 2 states a petroleum undertaking shall not use unconventional methods of gas exploration or extraction. This uses a negative. If we were to opt for offshore hydraulic fracturing, we would have to examine again the safety legislation because there are inherent risks associated with hydraulic fracturing over and above those associated with conventional oil exploration and extraction. I understand why the Government is reluctant to include the negative statement in the Bill but I would like the Minister of State to commit on the record of the House that if there is to be offshore hydraulic fracturing in the future, the Government will re-examine the safety legislation underpinning it and accept that the legislation before us is not adequate.

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