Fracking Bill progress
Deputy Kenny sought assurance that the fracking Bill would be progressed before the summer recess. Minister Naughten said Report Stage was intended for the week after next and that he aimed to have the Bill enacted before summer.
The fracking Bill was brought through by my constituency colleague, Deputy Tony McLoughlin. It is a magnificent Bill and there is progress being made steadily as it moves through the Oireachtas. I seek an assurance. The Bill has been changed or adjusted slightly to become an amendment to the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960. Will the Government set time aside to have it progressed through the Houses before the summer recess?
Comment on this
We are proceeding with Deputy McLoughlin's Bill on fracking. My understanding is that, with the consent of the Business Committee, the intention is to take Report Stage in the House the week after next. I intend to bring the legislation to the Seanad as quickly as possible and to have it enacted before the summer. That was the commitment I gave to the House at the end of last year when the Bill was brought forward. I gave a commitment that I am determined to have the legislation enacted. It is my intention to have it enacted without undue delay.