Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

No doubt mistakes were made on a number of fronts in respect of the Corrib pipeline. The public discussion on the safety frameworks will involve public consultation to the maximum extent. Local interest groups can also be represented at the oral hearing stages of An Bord Pleanála. The Commission for Energy Regulation will be present at those to fulfil the democratic mandate and answer the relevant questions from interested bodies at the oral hearing stage.

We are not entertaining a new level of public consultation. International investors are highly critical of the possibility of exploring in Irish waters because they believe our systems are too arcane and bureaucratic. Part of this Bill is about reducing the red tape associated with trying to explore off Irish waters. We are not adding an extra dimension of consultation but we will clearly draw the lessons from the Corrib controversy. I am sure local groups get involved early in the safety framework, but also in the planning process. Many people say this is only the oral hearing process, but it is a democratic process and it involves the presence of the relevant safety authority, namely, the CER. Therefore, people will be able to challenge the safety information presented by the relevant bodies.