Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. Some information has been provided there but it comes across that there is still some work to be done.

On the gas situation, the Minister indicated there may be a small tariff. It is a concern that there may be a tariff on gas coming into Ireland from England, Scotland or Wales. This will be a concern to industry, to householders and to citizens up and down the country.

I have raised this matter on a number of occasions over the last years, including at a conference organised by the Government two years ago in Roscommon. The conference was organised by the current Minister's predecessor and it was very useful. I ask that further information be shared on the issue as it becomes available. We are aware that any type of tariff or charge can start off as a penny but can wind up as €1 million because it is the thin end of the wedge. A charge can increase over time. Does the Minister have any information as to whether that tariff could be increased and if Britain holds all the cards? Is it within Britain's gift - the mother of parliaments - to decide whether there is a tariff on gas coming into Ireland? Some clarity on this issue would be useful.

With regard to the oil reserves, and in answer to previous questions on the matter to the Minister's Department, he said that 20% is in England, 11% is in Scotland and 9% is held in the North of Ireland. Could we have some clarity on that? Obviously it would be better if it was on the island of Ireland from a logistical perspective. Perhaps the Minister could illuminate where we are at in developing the capacity for storage in this State. Will he also explain what is happening in Wexford and in the other facilities that were supposed to be developed and which are leased from the ESB?

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