Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Government’s overall policy on mineral exploration and mining is under review at the moment and is currently the subject of an ongoing process of engagement with stakeholders and this will all be examined in detail. The policy statement on mineral exploration and mining is being finalised. That follows a public consultation. This policy statement proposes that the legislative schedule of minerals for which exploration and mining is permitted should be reviewed. I can confirm that an advisory group will be convened to review my Department’s proposals in that regard.

This important review will reflect the principle that our use of Ireland’s mineral resources must first be balanced by conservation. Second, it must support our transition to the circular economy and carbon neutrality. Finally, it must promote equitable development, including international and intergenerational equity, as well as generating economic activity through commercial enterprise.

Amendments Nos. 112 and 115 specifically relate to natural gas. The exploration for and the development of petroleum, which includes natural gas, is regulated by the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960. Amendments to that Act last year gave legislative effect to the programme for Government commitment to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of oil or gas.

The forthcoming policy statement on mineral exploration will propose that the legislative schedule of minerals for which exploration and mining is permitted be reviewed and, for clarity, the removal of natural gas from this schedule will be included in the review.

Finally, amendment No. 114 relates to the Akwé Kon Guidelines. These guidelines are intended to serve as guidance to governments, subject to their national legislation, in the development and implementation of their impact-assessment regimes. The Akwé Kon Guidelines were adopted by the seventh COP to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2004 and Ireland is a party to that convention. Ireland’s implementation of the convention is reflected in the National Biodiversity Action Plan, which is, in turn, to be reflected in the policy statement on mineral exploration and mining.

The issues of community consent, or “social legitimacy”, and biological diversity will be examined in detail and transparently in the context of the Government’s overall policy on mineral exploration and mining. As a result, I am not accepting these amendments.