Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Right, I do not know where to start with that. There is a reality. The Deputy has dismissed the report that was done and the research that was carried out with regard to energy security full stop. What would this country do if there was an unforeseen event that disrupted our gas supplies while we are transitioning away from fossil fuels? We have done that very successfully. I commend the previous Minister on the work he did in that area. I know the Deputy was consistently critical of the work he and his Department carried out. However, the reality is that if there is a disruption to our gas supply, Ireland does not have a strategic reserve. What would that mean for society? What would that mean for our hospitals, businesses and homes? It is in that instance, looking at the risks that are there, that we absolutely unquestionably need to move towards a strategic gas reserve.

With regard specifically to the Deputy's contention that emissions of imported LNG are worse relative to that of coal, that depends on a number of factors, such as the timeframe in question, the supply chains associated with both coal and LNG and the methods of transporting both fossil fuels.

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