asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the present position on the possibility of establishing a joint pipe-line for the conveyance of British-owned natural gas to the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Natural Gas.
15.
A decision to make natural gas available from Britain is, in the first instance, a matter for the British authorities. The British Government announced in July 1979 that for the foreseeable future the substantial expenditure necessary to provide a supply of natural gas for Northern Ireland could not be justified. As far as linkage with this part of the country is concerned, there are at present no definite proposals in this regard. All possibilities for co-operation on energy matters are kept under review by the two Governments in the framework of Anglo-Irish economic consultations established following the Taoiseach's meeting with the then British Prime Minister in September 1977.
May I butt in at this stage to say, that with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to raise on the Adjournment the question of the adequacy of the ferry boat service to Cape Clear island, County Cork.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.