Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Cathaoirleach clarified the question raised by Senator Darragh O’Brien on Commencement debates. I will bring the reply he received to the attention of the Minister and his office. I cannot do anything further than that.At a meeting of the Government on 16 June last, it was agreed that a petroleum (exploration and extraction) safety (amendment) Bill would be published. This technical Bill will transpose EU Directive 2013/30/EU, which is also known as the offshore safety directive. The deadline for the transposition of this directive is 19 July next. The Government is anxious for this deadline to be met. I understand fully the points made by Members on the other side of the House in relation to this legislation. I do not think it is acceptable to expect the House to deal with a Bill that is being published today.