Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 2008

Vol. 671 No. 2

Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages.

There are no amendments on Report Stage.

Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass".

I thank Deputies from all sides of the House for their help and support in advancing the Gas (Amendment) Bill, which proposes to increase the statutory borrowing limit of Bord Gáis Éireann from €1.7 billion to €3 billion. When the Bill was introduced it was pointed out that its enactment would give Bord Gáis Éireann the ability to legally amass funds to develop the strategic direction set out in its five year corporate plan to 2012 and beyond. The Bill proposes to amend section 23 of the Gas Act 1976 which provides for borrowings by Bord Gáis Éireann for capital purposes. There were no amendments to the provisions of the Bill on Committee Stage. There was broad discussion of the Bill on Second Stage and on Committee Stage there was approval from all Members. Again, I thank Members for their co-operation in the safe passage of the Bill through the House.

Since there is agreement there is no need to delay anything. I wish the company well with its strategic approach. I realise that it has already been stated by Members of the House that we must ensure there is development of gas infrastructure in future. There are concerns internationally about the supply of gas, and it would be worth our while at some stage to debate future supply, not only of gas but of other fuel sources also. Today's measure is practical and I wish it every success. On Committee Stage I referred to the advertisements stating the provision of gas was fast and efficient. The processing of this Bill has also been fast and efficient.

Question put and agreed to.
Top
Share