Seanad debates

Wednesday, 28 June 2017

Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Prohibition of Onshore Hydraulic Fracturing) Bill 2016: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

10:30 am

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for diverting but I had an opportunity.

Fianna Fáil will oppose the amendment with the Government because we believe it to be the right thing to do. We commend the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, and the Minister, Deputy Naughten. I heard the Minister on the radio today and he spoke very highly about this issue. When he came in as Minister, he ran with this Bill so he has to take credit for working with the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne. The fact is that we just cannot afford to delay the Bill. Private Members' Bills could take ten years to go through the Houses. This is one of the speediest. We may find it is the one that has gone through the fastest of any Private Members' Bill for a very long time. Feargal Quinn introduced a Bill here and got it through eventually, but it is a very slow process. The Government has backed it 100%. It sends a great message throughout the world that we will not allow fracking. It is the best publicity for our clean air, clean water, quality cattle, organic cattle, organic sheep, vegetables and fruit. Our green and beautiful land will not be destroyed by fracking. I thank all involved. Well done Love Leitrim, Friends of the Earth and all the councillors, Deputies and Senators. We all backed this in our own way and it is a great day for the House and the Oireachtas.

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