Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will try to be brief. I thank the Chairman for inviting me to attend this meeting on the national reform programme. As I am a member of the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, most of my questions will be in that area. In my previous day job a programme meant more than a statement of objectives; one set out a map on how one would achieve the objectives. Once this programme is finalised, will a detailed map be drawn up for Government on how it will reach the objectives stated in the draft national programme?

On the question of energy generation, I would like to think in terms of the principles and practices of EU, national government and local government subsidiarity. I understand that member states have absolute discretion in determining their own energy strategies. I believe this has been confirmed by the EU. I am aware of the intensive lobbying by energy companies in respect of hydraulic fracturing, fracking of shale gas and also wind energy. I would not be surprised to learn of proposals for nuclear energy. I found it frightening that many MEPs would support a proposition that projects involving hydraulic fracturing might be considered without an environmental impact statement. I think that is the hallmark of successful lobbying by energy company lobbyists. It is frightening. While member states have absolute discretion to determine their own energy strategies, increasingly we will see discussions between member states on joint operations, just as we are seeing joint projects in communications. That is the natural way to proceed.

I am concerned that our independence in planning for the future will be jeopardised by increasing intercountry collaborations on energy projects. I am very concerned that energy companies, rather than the Government, will make decisions on energy policy and projects to suit the people.

My second point is on wind farms and the use of renewables in energy generation. While I understand Deputy Joe O'Reilly's point on NIMBYism, I would not support it. There is no doubt that wind energy and renewable energy projects are the future for this and other European countries. We wish to give them a fair wind and see them work. They work when they have the support of host communities and where the host communities clearly see a benefit arising for them. Our job and that of the Government is, first, to ensure we meet our own energy requirements before we even consider exporting energy supplies and, second, that host communities and Irish people in general see a clear benefit from renewable energy projects because only then will we have what we all want, a thriving renewable energy sector that benefits the people but one which has not been designed at the behest of well placed lobbyists.

My final point, if I can stray into the field of agriculture, is on greenhouse gas emission reductions. While we need to do everything we can to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, this is a food producing country. That is what we do best and probably better than anywhere else in the world. I argue that it is easier, in the sense that there are more technical solutions, to reduce emissions from heavy industry or transport than to alter the biological functions of cattle who eat grass. There is a need to set out realistic and achievable steps to minimise agriculture-related emissions and monitor these steps to ensure they are being taken. However, we have to resist any attempt to penalise Ireland for what we are and what we do as a people. We produce excellent, natural food and should not be penalised for doing so.

I wish the Minister of State well. He has an important portfolio and the work he does will influence the direction the country will take in the future.