Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, and wish him well. It is tremendous that the Government has accepted this Private Members' Bill. It is a step in the right direction because bringing forward a Private Members' Bill on one's own without the backing and support of Ministers is practically impossible. I say "well done" to Deputy Tony McLoughlin and his team for pushing it forward. It is a great success for Leitrim, Roscommon and Ireland in terms of the anti-fracking campaign. I congratulate the Love Leitrim campaign, Friends of the Earth and other organisations. There was a united approach by all parties and none in Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo and surrounding areas. In terms of a new Assembly being formed, the Minister has indicated that he will meet with his counterpart in Northern Ireland to ensure he or she brings about the legislation in Northern Ireland also. Northern Ireland does not have legislation to ban fracking and if fracking is allowed there, it will very much affect the Republic of Ireland. I hope all those involved will enjoy their visit to Leinster House. It is well deserved.