22 Samh 2011, 18:38
Members of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture were today briefed on the future of Ireland’s offshore exploration.
Speaking after the meeting, Committee Chairman, Andrew Doyle, TD welcomed the contributions from The Irish Offshore Operators’ Association (IOOA), the representative organisation for the Irish offshore oil and gas industry, and the SIPTU trade union: “The committee is striving to overcome misperceptions around an issue that has polarised opinion in the past.”
“Most people agree that Ireland has considerable potential in exploiting offshore oil and gas resources. I think the recommendations heard today - which include suggestions for greater coordination across Government Departments and the establishment of a forum encompassing diverse voices from stakeholders - are entirely valid.
“On hearing further opinions from community groups in the coming weeks, the committee intends to publish a report and recommendations on an issue critical to Ireland’s future prosperity and sustainability.”
Ends
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
F: +3531 618 4551
paul.hand@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