Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I listened to the Senator's remarks but I do not propose to accept amendment No. 39. Section 13M(5) defines audit for the purposes of the obligation on petroleum undertakings with respect to their internal auditing responsibility only. It is set out for internal auditing responsibility. Consequently, there is no conflict for an internal auditor potentially being employed by a petroleum undertaking. However, the Bill provides for an ongoing system of inspection and auditing to be carried out independently by the Commission for Energy Regulation. I propose not to accept amendment No. 39 on that basis.