Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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155. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Ireland is being fined by the EU for the failure to meet with the N-1 formula (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24180/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Ireland met the infrastructure standard, which is also referred to as the N-1 requirement, on a regional basis with the UK until the end of last year. Since the start of this year, following the end of the transition period, compliance with the infrastructure standard is assessed on a national basis. On this basis Ireland does not meet the standard. It should be noted this does not have an adverse impact on security of supply as the same natural gas infrastructure remains in place and natural gas continues to flow and be traded normally. As part of the Brexit process, my Department discussed Ireland's inability to meet the infrastructure standard on a national basis with the European Commission. It is noted that this compliance issue arises as a direct result of Brexit, which is expected to be taken into account by the Commission. Ireland has not been fined in relation to compliance with the infrastructure standard.

Ireland continues to work with our EU partners in implementing the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement which contains specific provisions to facilitate future cooperation on natural gas security of supply.