Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are coming to a crunch time on Brexit. The back stop does not have legal standing, and nor did it. It was a statement.

I wish to raise the issue of energy, which is of major concern. We are dependent on Norway and Britain for much of our gas, with a pipeline coming through Britain. Some 40% of our electricity is generated from gas, and if this line is cut or tariffs are put on it, there would be huge implications. We have very little energy security as a result. The east-west interconnector connecting to Britain is another issue. That must be tied down. I am not sure that this has been getting enough attention. The single electricity market for the whole of Ireland, which was due to go live next month, is now delayed until October. What is the future of that project? That is of major concern. It is supposed to save consumers and businesses €200 million. What is the future of the overall all-Ireland electricity market, which has been there for a decade, if this goes ahead?

Regarding oil reserves, the State has oil in storage facilities in Britain. We also have oil stored in one facility in the North. Do we have a replacement for those stocks in the event of a hard border? I do not want to see any border.

See this speech in context