Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Fitzmaurice on the point about energy efficiency and energy savings. We have increased our support in the budget cycle and the capital plan to ramp up our energy efficiency strategy. This will happen by way of direct Exchequer support. However, the White Paper makes clear that we will explore innovative ways of leveraging finance, whether European money or private finance. Many countries are examining this possibility at present. The question is how to finance energy efficiency initiatives in the domestic sector and in business.

It is always difficult to persuade people, whether they are under financial pressure or not, to borrow to make changes to their homes - for example, by way of retrofitting - that will benefit them in future. Last week I referred to the tragedy of horizon that we often see. People find it difficult, as a result of the many financial pressures they are under, to see the value of investing today in something like energy efficiency, although it can bear major dividends in future. The Government is keen to ensure that we bring the agenda forward and members will see this reflected in the White Paper. It is also reflected in capital plan and the budget.

Deputy Fitzmaurice made a stark comment to the effect that what communities want is totally at odds with what we want in terms of renewable energy. I do not accept that the situation is so bad. Certainly, there are real concerns in communities. However, I have seen and visited other communities throughout the country where wind farms and turbines are situated and where there is little or no difficulty or issue about them. That is not to suggest that people do not have legitimate concerns. Some people do and they are entitled to have them voiced. However, it is not true to say that there is universal rejection throughout the country in respect of onshore wind, wind turbines or wind farms.

The Deputy referred to the idea of an open forum. He should look carefully at the White Paper. Much of what Deputy Fitzmaurice and his colleagues have been saying this afternoon will be reflected in the White Paper. We must address this matter. We cannot have an energy policy by diktat. It has to be debated with the people and understood. At the same time, we have to give leadership and we have a responsibility to give leave leadership. We had a debate in the Chamber this morning. The point was made that we represent people. That is fair enough. We have to represent their concerns but we also have to give leadership. I made a point in response to Deputy McEntee's comments. If we take a view that we are going to migrate from one technology, for example, wind farms or wind energy, then we have to be ready with a credible alternative. There is no walking away from this issue. This is here and we have to get a grip on it. This applies to this Government, this Dáil, the people and the next Dáil. There are no easy solutions. There is no point in saying that is not going to happen if we do not have a credible alternate view about what we think should happen.