Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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181. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when the heads of bill of the upcoming Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (Amendment) Bill will be brought to pre-legislative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35810/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I recently received Government approval to proceed with the development of a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve. The delivery of a temporary gas reserve is critical to Ireland’s energy security as we continue to transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. Crucially, the strategic gas emergency reserve will also ensure compliance with EU standards and regulation.

The operation of the strategic gas emergency reserve will be underpinned by policy and legislation that my Department is progressing as a matter of priority. The Department has received approval for the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (Amendment) Bill to be added to the legislative programme for 2025. It is expected that a Memorandum for Government seeking permission to draft the associated General Scheme for this Bill will be brought to Cabinet this year. It is anticipated the General Scheme will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny following this Government decision.