Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Today is an important day for some of the visitors to this country. Some thousands of them will leave today, 23 April, and return to Canada. I refer to the brent geese, who come every year on the same day, 23 October, and go home every year on 23 April. I mention this because I desire a debate soon on the environment. Those of us who value the environment desire a debate thereon. The brent geese come every year to Strangford Lough and other destinations right down to Wexford. They settle on the east coast and their presence is one of the joys of nature. Let us ensure we protect that nature. I would love to see a debate in the House on the environment.

I would love to believe we could also debate hydraulic fracturing for shale gas, known as "fracking". It was interesting to see what happened in Britain last week. An expert group came out in favour of fracking in Britain under strict conditions. The group believes fracking for shale gas will go a long way towards solving energy problems in the years ahead. It would be unwise for us to close our minds and not at least have a discussion on this. It is worthy of discussion. If there are problems, difficulties and an environmental challenge, let us ensure this House has the opportunity to debate it.

There are closed minds and those who say we should not even debate or consider fracking because it presents problem. Britain has decided to establish strict, tight controls very definitely to protect the environment and those concerned. In The Irish Times today, a headline reads "Dangers of gas fracking overstated, says broker". Another broker could-----