Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

This amendment also has its origins in the Dáil during the debate on Committee Stage with regard to the appropriate timeframe for the introduction of the new petroleum safety framework. Having listened to the views of Deputies, and in the interests of ensuring the framework will be introduced without undue delay, I am proposing to reduce the timeframe by which the Minister may give a direction to the commission with respect to the publication of the safety framework. This amendment now proposes that where the safety framework has not been published within six months of the commencement of the safety framework provision, the Minister may direct the commission in writing to publish it no later than the date specified in the ministerial direction. I thank Fine Gael and Labour Party Members for their suggestions in this regard. I understand this was specifically suggested by Deputy McManus and I was delighted to respond to it.