I am covering for Deputy Ahern. I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach and welcome the Minister to his new role. This is my first time having an exchange with him in the House. We know the Cabinet has approved the proposal to develop a State-led emergency gas reserve in the form of a floating storage regasification unit, FSRU. This will have the capacity to supply Ireland's entire gas demand for seven days. We do not believe the Shannon LNG terminal is necessary or prudent. I ask the Minister if he will intervene to stop the construction of this terminal and make a statement on the matter.

Sentiment score: 0.05

I thank the Minister. I am disappointed to hear his reply. Given that the FSRU would, in theory, provide sufficient gas reserves, how can we have faith in the Government's commitment to end fossil fuel use and to reach our targets? Is it a case that the FSRU will not provide sufficient energy security and the Minister feels we need the Shannon LNG too?

Sentiment score: 0.18

I know he referenced coal but greenhouse gas emissions from LNG are 33% more potent than coal. Building an LNG terminal would lock us into fossil fuel reliance for decades. We declared a climate emergency in 2019. I remember having an exchange with a former Green Party TD before the election who assured me the Government's new planning and development Bill, which was then before the previous Oireachtas, would not allow the approval or construction of LNG infrastructure. It is clear that what the Labour Party was pointing out before the election about the planning and development Bill is true.

Sentiment score: 0.13

I will make very clear my own position. I do not support the FSRU. The Labour Party believes we cannot justify this if we intend to be very serious about reaching our climate targets and achieve a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. In light of the 2021 policy statement, which introduced a moratorium on LNG and fracked gas, and the Government's independent analysis which raised a range of risks associated with such a development, we are very concerned because the Shannon LNG terminal will be a permanent commercial enterprise that will lock us into fossil fuel dependance for decades to come. We could be eligible for up to €26 billion in fines if we increase our fossil fuel use. The Irish taxpayer will have to pay for this for decades to come.

Sentiment score: 0.09