Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 11 February 2015

Committee on Transport and Communications: Select Sub-Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Estimates for Public Services 2015
Vote 29 - Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Revised)

11:30 am

Photo of Alex WhiteAlex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are not always comparing like with like. The Deputy may look at another country that has moved beyond the position here and has decided it has gone far enough. We must look at what stage other countries have reached. Wind cannot be their sole energy source. I expect we will reach a stage where we decide we have reached the maximum we can get from wind and must look at other sources. We are doing that and the reason we brought forward the bioenergy plan was to ensure that we do not just discuss developing wind but also discuss other sources and elements. This is the reason the Department's forthcoming White Paper is so important. I may sound like a broken record when dealing with parliamentary questions when I constantly invite colleagues to participate in our White Paper debate in order that we can consider how best to balance all the different sources.

I have come to this issue without any prejudice or background. I look at the issue completely dispassionately in the interest of what is best for the country. I hear what is said to me about wind, but I also want to bring forward biomass. I also met solar energy advocates yesterday. If colleagues wish to participate in the energy debate, and I am sure many will despite being very busy, we must consider the best source of energy supply for Ireland in the long term and how best to fund it. The REFIT system works through a public service obligation and is funded through a levy that goes onto our bills. That is the system we have currently. Should we continue with this system or are there other ways of dealing with the issue? This is not funding from the Department. We do not use Exchequer moneys from the Estimates to subsidise this.

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