29 Iúil 2011, 11:44
Committee to Examine Policy on Extracting Gas and Oil
29th July 11
Ensuring that Ireland makes effective use of its plentiful natural resources and raw materials will be at the core of the remit of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture.
The Committee has finalised its work programme, and will have under its remit all of Ireland natural resources ranging from oil, gas, wind power, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and Ireland's telecommunications network.
The Committee has identified the following as priorities for the period July-December 2011;
- Hydrocarbon, mineral resources and renewables
- Common Agricultural Policy
- Common Fisheries Policy
Committee Chairman, Andrew Doyle TD said;
“The new configuration of Oireachtas Committees means that this Committee has oversight for all of Ireland indigenous resources and raw materials. Ireland has huge potential in this sector. This Committee intends to act both as a watchdog to ensure those agencies charged with making use of these resources do so effectively and will also endeavour to add impetus to projects which it feels need to be advanced.
In our work plan for the next six months, one of the issues we plan to focus on is the question of Ireland’s mineral and natural resources. There is massive potential to harness energy from the wind and sea, an area which remains comparatively untapped.
We also propose to specifically consider policy surrounding the debate on how we extract our mineral resources such as gas and oil. This issue has caused much controversy with a considerable divergence of opinion existing on how Ireland can best utilise its oil and gas reserves. Therefore, the Committee is keen to examine the various arguments from all sides to try to determine which approach is in the best interests of Ireland.
We also intend to focus on the upcoming negotiations on Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policy. Our agricultural sector is of the highest international standard and is one of the principle forces of our export market. The Committee is determined to safeguard the future of this industry and ensure its sustainability.”
Committee
Ends
Daniel English
Oireachtas Communications Unit
087 6949926
daniel.english@oireachtas.ie
Committee Membership
Deputies
Tom Barry, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Pat Deering, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael
Martin Ferris, Sinn Fein
Noel Harrington, Fine Gael
Martin Heydon, Fine Gael
Colm Keaveney, Labour Party
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Michael McNamara, Labour Party
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fail
Éamon Ó Cuív, Fianna Fail
John O’Mahony, Fine Gael
Thomas Pringle, Independent
Senators
Michael Comiskey, Fine Gael
Paschal Mooney, Fianna Fail
Pat O’Neill, Fine Gael
Mary Ann O’Brien, Labour Party
Brian Ó Domhnaill, Fianna Fail
John Whelan, Labour Party