Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's Bill passed Second Stage with a lot of support. I know the Bill is currently being debated as part of a wider discussion on energy security. The Deputy cited people who came before the committee and I know there were a number of experts on all sides who spoke. It is up to the committee now to decide on the next step. It may pursue the Bill as is, there may be a vote to end discussion on the Bill or it may be progressed to full Committee Stage with amendments to come back before the House. That will be the democratic decision of the committee.

The Government has its point of view. We are in a minority. We will put forward the case in respect of what we are doing, which is trying to reduce the use of fossil fuels rather than being wholly reliant on importing fossil fuels at the end of a pipeline or shipping lane. Who knows how future world turbulence might impact on the security of supply that we have in this country? That is why we are supporting the continued exploration offshore. However, we are a minority Government and the full Dáil and Seanad will determine the Deputy's Bill if the committee chooses to pursue it.

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