asked the Minister for Energy if the working group investigating the feasibility of a gas inter-connector to the United Kingdom has made any interim report; if he will publish the results of any such feasibility study; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gas Inter-Connector to UK.
26.
The working group to which the Deputy refers have not made an interim report and are not expected to do so. I understand that the work of the group is proceeding satisfactorily and I expect a final report to be submitted within the next few months. In view of the sensitive strategic and commercial considerations which arise in this exercise I think it is unlikely that the national interest would be served by publishing the report, but a final decision on that point can only be taken at a later stage.
Has the Minister opened any negotiations to see on what terms gas might be available if we were importing gas via such pipeline should some domestic source not be found in the meantime?
I have not had detailed negotiations on price etc. but I have discussed the matter with my opposite number, the Secretary of State for Energy. The whole question of the possibility of a gas pipeline and inter-connector from the UK to here, Northern Ireland to here and mainline Europe is being looked at by the working group I have mentioned. I hope they will report by the end of April. That is the target date I have set for them and if the Deputy would like to ask me at a later stage I will be delighted to give him the information.