Mr. Barry O'Flynn:

We produced a report last year, Cleantech Ireland, which analysed the economic input of the clean-tech sector. The study was undertaken with the assistance of a specialist economics adviser. It was partly a review of studies and literature produced to date, together with some initial modelling in terms of what the impact might be into the future. In terms of job creation, we found that the analysis was very subjective. There are lots of numbers being thrown out and it is difficult sometimes to substantiate them. The estimate of 26,000 to 80,000 jobs was based on previous literature and studies, in conjunction with certain assumptions in terms of GDP growth as a consequence of a reduction in energy consumption in the Irish market. The estimate also included a portion of indirect jobs which might be created. For example, if we were to reduce our energy input by 10% per year, that would generate more cash flow in the country which would, in turn, generate more cash. That is the indirect aspect. On the direct side, we have the energy efficiency agenda which involves upgrading all of the buildings in the country. Given the way the construction sector is today, it would not involve any displacement of existing jobs; rather, it is a case of deploying existing skill sets to avail of additional jobs in the market. It is a combination of jobs related to economic growth and jobs related to energy efficiency efforts. In addition, a number of studies have pointed to the export opportunity in terms of large-scale renewable energy projects in the midlands, for example, and the jobs and supply chain growth around this.