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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Oil and gas exploration policy

Summary

Deputy Martin sought clarity on ending oil and gas exploration, citing a ministerial tweet that appeared to welcome more drilling. The Tánaiste declined to comment on the tweet itself but said a climate action Bill would allow the Government to set out its ambitions in detail.

The Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018 is about to come before the select committee for detailed scrutiny. I seek clarity on the Government's position on ending oil and gas exploration. Last Friday, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment tweeted the following: "The number and capability of exploration companies involved is a welcome development and hopefully we will see an increase in drilling and the realisation of our oil and gas potential in the coming years." It is hard to believe but that tweet came directly from the Department with responsibility for climate action. It was deleted on Saturday. Will the Tánaiste indicate whether it was deleted because it is no longer the Government's policy to increase fossil fuel exploration or because the Department was embarrassed that it made clear, in black and white and for all to see, not only that this Government is not taking climate action seriously, but also, at a time when we all know we need to keep 80% of known fossil fuels in the ground, it seems to be hoping, wishing and dreaming of a deadly fossil fuel future?

Comment on this
Simon Coveney The Tánaiste Fine Gael

It is probably a bit dangerous for me to comment on individual tweets from individual Ministers but I am sure the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, will have an opportunity-----

Comment on this

The Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, is the relevant Minister.

Comment on this
Simon Coveney The Tánaiste Fine Gael

If a Private Members' Bill on climate action comes forward, I am sure the Minister of State and Minister will have an opportunity to outline, in some detail, the Government's ambition in this area because it is significant.

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