Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor McMullin for his input today. He will agree that offshore wind energy is at least ten years away. In the meantime, and especially this winter, it appears we have an energy shortage and people may be cold in their homes as they may have no option other than electricity. Does Professor McMullin agree there is an urgent need for Shannon LNG to get off the ground and import natural gas, not fracked gas?

Professor McMullin mentioned gas-fired generators for generating electricity. The Tánaiste put the terror of God in many people when he was answering questions in the Dáil less than a week ago and said we have two gas-fired generators being repaired at present and, hopefully, they will be repaired in the month of October. We are in a fairly precarious position. If Professor McMullin knows about more gas-fired generators, I would be grateful if he let the Tánaiste know at least. It seems we are down to hoping that two will be repaired in the month of October, which leaves a lot of people in a precarious position for the coming months. This winter could be very cold as we have had a lot of warm winters and we could get a very cold and different winter this year. I have many more questions but as time is scarce, I will let Professor McMullin respond.