asked the Minister for Transport and Power the steps that have been taken to set up the Gas Board which was announced in Cork on the 24th January last.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Gas Board.
8.
As I announced recently a company, Bord Gais Éireann Teo., have been formed to function on an interim basis pending the enactment of legislation for the establishment of a national gas board. The principal matters requiring attention by the company are the conclusion of the negotiations with Marathon Petroleum Ireland Ltd. on a contract for the supply of gas from the Kinsale field, and the initial planning of onshore installations to bring the gas to the ESB generating stations at Marina and Whitegate and the fertiliser factory at Marino Point.
The legislative proposals for the formation of a national gas authority will be brought before the Oireachtas as soon as possible.
I would ask the Minister to be a little more specific. Will he state what he means by "as soon as possible"?
I would like to be of help to the Deputy but I am afraid I cannot be. I had hoped to bring this matter before the Dáil before the summer recess but I gather it is unlikely now. I can assure the Deputy I am anxious to get on with the matter as quickly as possible.
Will the Minister state the reason for the delay?
The crowded legislative programme before the Dáil. I may get in before the summer recess but I am told by the Whip it is unlikely.
Would the Minister consider sending it to the Seanad?
I am not sure if I can but I will certainly consider it.