John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on innovation. I have heard good news from Trinity College Dublin regarding a cancer drug. Given the current difficulties in world markets, it is important that we focus on areas which offer advantages. The future of the country and its economy will be based on export-led growth. The population of the Republic is 4.3 million out of a global population of 6 billion. Wonderful opportunities exist on our doorstep. For example, the positive developments on new methods for producing gas from shale will change the energy industry over the coming decades.

I am conscious that the Shell to Sea campaign never wanted a pipeline. We ought to debate this issue because there is no question of not applying An Bord Pleanála's rulings. The most recent ruling does not mean Shell to Sea is correct, however. We continue to need a gas pipeline to take ashore the 200 nautical miles of energy which lie beneath Ireland's seas and if we are to develop our gas resources.