Ms Julie O'Neill:

There is no evidence that wind and the refit tariff on wind is contributing significantly to the price of electricity. I will continue to keep that under review. The Deputy mentioned an absolute limitation. Our target at the moment is 40% for renewables and wind is part, not all, of that. I agree with the Deputy about the wider issue of going beyond 2020 and towards 2050 and getting 100% from renewables. All the indications are that the net impact of the investment in wind is positive for the economy and the Exchequer and ultimately for the taxpayer. There are wider issues around wind, such as the planning issues, and I understand those in terms of its impact on communities but I am positive about the benefit of wind to the economy, the jobs it generates, its positive impact on gross national product, GNP, and the minimal impact on electricity prices.