David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I warmly welcome the Minister's statement that the Government recognises the strategic importance of the refinery at Whitegate and supports the continuation of refining in Whitegate, not only for the east Cork area but for the State. Oil expertise is difficult to acquire and replace. There is enormous expertise in refining in Whitegate. The refinery is ahead of itself in respect of biofuel technology, and given the climate change discussions in Paris at present, this is crucial. The refinery is quite anxious to continue this expertise and technology. It is involved in the addition of fatty acid ethyl ester to diesel and biodiesel. It has also been an extraordinarily good neighbour in the area, supporting the local community and really and truly engaging in a most positive way.

I am sure the Minister realises that to try to put in place a refinery anywhere in the State would be very difficult. People would not really want one in their backyard. Over the decades, since it was established in 1959, the refinery has been an extraordinarily good neighbour, and the local management continues this. I am pleased with the Government's position that refining should continue in Ireland and that it is of strategic importance, and the Government will support in whatever way it can the continuation of refining in the State.

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