Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 February 2006
289 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the qualifications the TAG has to enable it to have input into the Advantica report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3969/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not and was not the function of the TAG to have input into the Advantica report. That said, the Geological Survey of Ireland, where one of the members of the TAG is employed, furnished to Advantica specific information relating to landslides to enable it complete its investigation into pipeline safety in peat.
The role of the TAG was to select world-class gas safety consultants to liaise with it and to give me technical and professional advice regarding their report. The TAG could also have a role in the implementation of design and monitoring of any new safety regime which might emerge. The members of the TAG comprise: chief technical adviser — energy — who is a chartered energy engineer; assistant chief engineer, who is a civil engineer; and principal geologist in the Geological Survey of Ireland. I am satisfied the range of qualifications, expertise and experience present in the TAG is fully up to the challenges presented to the group. These include geotechnical investigations, peat dynamics, large capital project engineering, quality control, health and safety and gas pipelines.
