Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Horgan, whose appointment will be wonderful for Bord na Móna and the country, especially given his qualifications in the area of organisational management and leading change. His appointment comes at a time of significant challenges for the company and I wish him the best of luck in that respect.

The singular message of Mr. Horgan's welcome and precise report is the need to diversify, expand and find a more sustainable foundation for Bord na Móna. Deputy Cowen highlighted a number of issues at micro-level which involve significant changes for individuals and communities. I ask Mr. Horgan to expand on the critical, strategic role for the company, including in the area of innovation and, in particular, big wind energy. Will he share with us the challenges he experiences in respect of the capacity of the Government and the various agencies to react and respond in a manner that will ensure Ireland is an innovator in this area? How can Ireland become a world leader in packaging innovation, technology and our resources, especially in light of the finite carbon energy resources available to us? How can we maximise wind energy for job creation and as an alternative to imported energy sources in the shortest possible time?

I am also interested in hearing Mr. Horgan's views on the issue of community, which is very important, and the urgent need for the Government and its agencies and organisations to respond by providing policies that will ensure a joined-up approach and prevent a scenario in which Bord na Móna is left on its own. It is important that people are clear that the State receives a dividend from the activities of Bord na Móna. We expect such a dividend annually and it is of great importance given the challenges facing the Exchequer.

Will Mr. Horgan outline what will be his priorities for the next 18 months? How can capital investment in big wind energy be accelerated to deliver dividends in terms of the cost of energy to consumers? Will he also address the issue of community buy-in to wind energy projects and some of the fears that are emerging in respect of this type of investment? There is considerable artificial resistance to everything in society. How will the issue be moved on as quickly as possible and what are the challenges facing Mr. Horgan in that respect?