Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The State relies on oil it stores in Britain and the North. Joined-up thinking will be required in respect of this issue and I ask that it be given special attention. Given his brief, the Minister of State will understand that without energy, we will not have industry, jobs and many other things. It is crucial, therefore, that we are able to turn on the lights and have power, including gas and oil, in order to drive industry until we develop alternative sources of energy. Realistically, we do not have a replacement for the gas we currently import and on which the economy relies. If Britain opts out of the customs union and Single Market, tariffs will be imposed on gas and our trade with Britain will acquire third-country status. According to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Corrib gas field will supply gas for a little more than ten years. We must develop renewable energy sources and copperfasten the all-Ireland electricity and gas markets, including the wholesale markets. I ask the Minister of State to address the specific issue of oil.

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