Results 66,061-66,080 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 5: In page 8, line 6, after "transfer" to insert "to him or her". The Minister previously gave an indication that the male description in a case of this nature was adequate, so I will withdraw the amendment.

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 6: In page 8, line 8, to delete "to the Minister". This amendment has the same theme that I have been pursuing in a number of other areas. I would like to hear the Minister's comment on it and on amendment No. 7.

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 7: In page 8, lines 12 to 14, to delete all words from and including "transfers" in line 12 down to and including "Minister" in line 14 and substitute the following: "shall transfer to the Minister, the share owned by it in the National Oil Reserves Agency Limited". I will not press this amendment but what the Minister says is debatable — doctors differ and patients...

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 8: In page 8, line 34, to delete "maintaining" and substitute "maintaining,". Amendments Nos. 8 to 10, inclusive, concern an issue not addressed hitherto. I can anticipate the Minister's reply but, at the same time, I respectfully suggest that the text be amended in that fashion.

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I feel obliged to respond positively to the Minister's magnanimity. I thank him for taking amendments Nos. 8 and 9 on board and I am happy not to move amendment No. 10. I tabled it because the situation can change dramatically in a very short space of time, something that would be particularly true if there were an energy crisis. For that reason, I felt that it might be useful to the...

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 9: In page 8, line 34, to delete "Part 4" and substitute "Part 4,".

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 11: In page 9, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following: "(f) monitoring the Irish oil industry and market and work in conjunction with the Commission for Energy Regulation and the Competition Authority to ensure an open, competitive and transparent market.". The amendment is self-explanatory, but it might do no harm if the Minister gave the House the benefit of his...

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 12: In page 9, line 15, after "oil" to insert ", in accordance with market indicators". It is necessary to take account of market indicators. That is not second-guessing anyone, since it is a simple fact that projections must have due regard to market indicators regarding purchasing and sales. To insert it in the section in this way is effective and necessary. I would...

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: We were under pressure.

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Amendment No. 11 is gone, but I moved it on the Deputy's behalf.

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I admire the Minister's tenacity in not changing his view. I have thought about this matter and believe we on this side of the House were not trenchant enough on the last occasion we discussed it. It is wrong not to mention biofuels. What is wrong with storing them as part of our reserves? Why should specific mention not be made of the need to develop and store biofuels, particularly if...

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 3: In page 7, line 18, after "section 5" to insert ", subject to the approval of Dáil Éireann". These 15 amendments are all related to the same issue, which is to require Dáil approval for changes that may take place from time to time. We discussed this matter last night and on Committee Stage of this Bill a couple of weeks ago. There is a growing fear that...

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Correct.

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: An alarm sounded.

Order of Business (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Given the concerns regarding oil and gas exploration and the licensing regime, would it be possible to bring forward, as promised, in line with the reform proposals for delivering better Government, the minerals development Bill? We spoke about this matter previously and the Minister indicated a willingness to help out the Opposition in this regard. Has he pondered on it further?

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 1: In page 6, line 4, to delete "as". I would like to hear the Minister's response at the outset, perhaps as a sign of things to come.

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I am impressed but I am not impressed, so to speak. I would have thought the Minister might go further into the reasons it is not possible to accept the amendment. We outlined previously what we believe are compelling reasons for accepting the amendment. Will the Minister elucidate further on the reason that should not be the case?

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Having considered the matter, those of us who saw fit to put down the amendment believe it is necessary. I am pressing the amendment.

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 2: In page 7, line 15, after "oils" to insert ", including oils derived from bio fuels". We discussed this matter on Committee Stage. This amendment is necessary and desirable and is indicative of where we need to go in the future. It says something about the intention of the Bill in particular. It is intended to be all-embracing and descriptive. It is a necessary...

National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006: Report Stage (8 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I have thought about this matter since Committee Stage and I believe I was right the first time. The original intention was as the Minister has indicated, but there is no reason the same cannot apply as does now, where a particular exemption is made. The description of petroleum products in the Bill includes the following categories of products: "(a) motor spirit and aviation fuel (that is...