Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

There are many other interesting issues raised by Senators that I would like to have responded to. I assure Senator Ned O'Sullivan that I concur entirely with him about the importance of the LNG plant in terms of diversity of supply and offering us another string to our bow. To partially answer Senator Crown's question, I met with the promoters again two weeks ago. Unfortunately this process is heavily regulated. It is not a ministerial decision, it is a matter ultimately for the Energy Regulator and a process has now been put in place that will commence within ten days. It is believed it will go on for two weeks and there will be an outcome in a further two weeks. I hope this goes well because it will be an important string to our bow if it happens.