73 Mr. Cullimore asked the Minister for Energy if the international gas link will be of any benefit to Irish companies.

Natural gas is now the dominant fuel for industry in Ireland within the gas supply area. Existing supplies from the Kinsale gas field will be depleted by the end of the decade.

Since taking office, I have made it a priority to ensure security of supply for the natural gas industry. The gas inter-connector pipeline is an essential element in providing that security of supply for gas consumers in general and Irish industry in particular.