Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Fáiltím roimhe sin. During the development of this project one argument made has been that many opinions have been based on the information provided by Shell E & P Ireland. I imagine the data for the decisions taken or the conclusions drawn by the Department are based on data from Shell E & P Ireland. While I will not cast any aspersion on the company, it is known, on foot of disasters that have befallen this type of company worldwide, that sometimes some oil companies are not fully forthcoming with data and somewhat lenient regarding the truth. Does the Minister intend to have an independent assessment carried out by the Department on the pipeline to ensure he and his Department will be fully satisfied there is no danger to communities along the western seaboard in the event that there is a similar earthquake? Incidentally, it was reported by the media as being of a magnitude of 5.8 as opposed to 4.0, but will such an assessment be carried out to satisfy the Department that a similar event would not result in any damage and, therefore, be of concern to the people of north Mayo and the west?