Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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34. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way in which it is estimated Ireland's gas supply will be affected by Britain's exit from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32041/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Until the Corrib gas field came online in late 2015 Ireland was importing around 95% of our natural gas via the two gas interconnectors that supply gas from Scotland to Ireland. While natural gas supplies from Corrib have reduced this import dependency, Ireland will continue to be reliant on natural gas supplies from the UK.

Inter-Governmental Agreements relating to the transmission of natural gas by pipeline between the UK and Ireland for both interconnectors are in place, and there are also Interconnection and Transportation Agreements between UK and Irish Gas Transmission System Operators to ensure the security of gas supply over the gas interconnectors from Scotland to Ireland. These agreements will remain in place after the UK leaves the EU.

There is currently very good cooperation between the UK and Ireland, both at official level between Departments and Regulators, and between network operators on operational matters.

In relation to EU rules and obligations relating to gas, for example rules relating to the Internal Energy Market and gas security of supply, my Department, the Regulator and stakeholders are preparing for the consequences of the UK referendum as they arise, to ensure timely assessment and that the best possible outcomes will be achieved for our citizens and our economy. A key priority for Ireland will be to ensure that the current arrangements between the UK and Ireland continue.