asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the energy crisis, he will allow as a matter of urgency the establishment of oil refineries subject to strict environmental control.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Oil Refineries.
187.
I am arranging to have a study carried out on the siting of oil refineries but I do not expect that the results will be available for some time. Meanwhile the position is that commercial interests are free to proceed with the establishment of oil refineries, subject of course to compliance with planning requirements.
Could the Minister state if there is, at least one firm proposing to go ahead in relation to an oil refinery?
I think there have been answers to questions and statements on that——
And contradictions.
——and it would be a good idea, I think, if the Deputy were to put down a separate question about that. This question is a general question.
The reason I am pursuing the matter in this way is because there was in the papers this morning a statement and a contradiction of that statement in regard to one oil refinery and I thought the Minister might be able to give us an informed statement on it.
I do not know what particular refinery the Deputy is talking about.
Whiddy Island. I know that and I am not the Minister. He must not have read his brief.