Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Norris once again expressed his concern about Shell to Sea which, as we are all aware, employs 1,000 people in the west at present. We all wish to see higher royalties and intellectual property rights and all the various other issues, but I understand there is a substantial amount of the basin for licensing within the whole area, representing a serious vote of confidence. I remember when licences were granted in 1987 or 1988 and at the time there was very little interest, practically nil, and share prices, particularly exploration share prices, were at an all-time low. We wish to see as much as we possibly can but we can renegotiate at any time for the future and hopefully this will be seriously considered.

Senator Harris offered the condolences of the House to the Cloney family and the champion of the horrific experience at Fethard-on-Sea. I saw the film of which Senator Harris reminded us and Donal Barrington and Eamon de Valera did their part by not condoning what took place there. I will send a letter on behalf of colleagues following the bereavement of the Cloney family.

Senators Regan, Ormonde and Ó Murchú referred to the Lisbon treaty. Senator Regan outlined to the House the up-to-date position in Germany and the court decision there, particularly on taxation, neutrality and all the other issues brought before the Irish electorate at the last referendum on the Lisbon treaty. The Taoiseach will be in the House next week at 11.45 to debate, discuss and hear colleagues' views-----