asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if, in the case of the projected Dublin to Belfast pipeline, he will indicate when the agreement of the Belfast authorities is likely to be needed; when construction will commence and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin-Belfast Gas Pipeline.
14.
The time at which an agreement is needed depends on the time when the Northern Ireland authorities wish to receive gas. Both parties to the discussions have endeavoured to reach agreement as quickly as possible. An early agreement could permit construction to commence in early 1983, and the pipeline to be completed by late 1983.
On 18 May 1982 I met with Mr. Adam Butler, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office with responsibility for Energy, following a number of meetings at official level. Further negotiations are required and I will be meeting Mr. Butler again shortly.
Can the Minister indicate the reasons for the rather pessimistic comments being made on the likelihood of reaching agreement on the gas connection between Dublin and Belfast which were made by Mr. Butler in Belfast recently? Is it a question of price, security or what are the elements which would account for this depressing view expressed in Belfast?
I do not propose to comment. We are in negotiation and I will not comment on any attitude expressed or any interpretation taken by Deputy O'Leary or anyone else. I will continue the negotiations and am hopeful that agreement can be reached. People have their own way of expressing pessimism or optimism. I have mine and I will keep it until the negotiations are completed.
Are we to conclude from the reply that the Minister attributes the content of Mr. Butler's remarks to a negotiating stance on the part of Mr. Butler? Are we to draw the same conclusion from his own remarks? This would lead us to believe that the positive view he gave as the outcome of the negotiations was a negotiating ploy on his part and that he was gilding the lily more than a little.
The Deputy can take any conclusions he likes from any statements. I am in negotiation and until that is completed I do not propose to comment nor do I think it would be appropriate to do so.
The Minister has done so.
I am not prepared to make any comment and the Deputy will see that I have not done so anywhere.
The Minister commented in the House.
That is an interpretation.
I am not interested in the detail of the discussions. I am fully briefed on them. Discussions are now going on at official level. Does the Minister consider that agreement can be reached at that level or will another meeting be necessary between him and Mr. Butler?
Another meeting has been arranged.
When is it likely to take place?
Shortly.