Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have timed it well. I see that you have taken up the cudgels on my behalf with regard to the seagulls, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. I am glad the matter is in safe hands. Will the Leader arrange for the relevant Minister to come before the House to discuss energy security? I am asking the question in particular in the context of the threat to our gas supply from the ever-perilous situation in eastern Europe. For example, our supply from the Ukraine is anything but assured. As the Leas-Chathaoirleach is aware, a sizeable delegation was in the House yesterday from Kerry to discuss a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal on the Shannon Estuary. The project has been on the books for some time and I referred to it several times during the last term.

It has never been more advantageous and timely for this project to be coming on stream again with support from one of the major global providers. Sometimes gas from the interior of landlocked countries, for example, African states and Asian states, cannot be piped. However, the gas can be liquefied and then transported in bulk in huge liners and brought up the Shannon Estuary, where it is degasified in a process that will of itself create energy. This will assure us of long-term energy security.

Will the Leader ask the Minister to come before the House? In fact, two Ministers are involved but I reckon the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Naughten, would be the most appropriate at the moment. He could outline his views on the matter. In the previous Government, the former Minister, Pat Rabbitte, was close to doing something on this but it did not quite materialise. I hope the Leader can facilitate that request.