Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that there is no question of the Government "imposing" anything in this area. These applications are made on the basis of legislation that has been passed by this House, which sets out the requirements in relation to applications, public notice, objections, the evaluation of objections and environmental impact assessments. The House has agreed and set the stringent rules under which licences are issued. The rules require companies that are looking to move beyond prospecting to drilling to meet high standards, which have been set and are continually being tightened and monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the other environmental protection agencies we have appointed to ensure the public is fully protected under the legislation we have passed in this House. That is the approach. The Government is not attempting to impose anything on communities. This area is governed by a clear set of legislative provisions that have been decided on by this House.

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