Mr. John Dolan:

I can determine whether that is the case for the Deputy but I imagine it would be possible.

Deputy O'Brien's second question related to engagement with the representative bodies. Those bodies are all partners with us in this. We meet their representatives and had significant engagement with them prior to the launch of the scheme. They organise the training for us, provide the venues and encourage their member bodies to attend. They are significant players in this area and in helping us to roll out the scheme.

On Senator Power's questions, the Department has trialled and tested such turbines. Our opinion, which is supported by the SEAI, is that school playgrounds are not the place for such turbines. This is because they involved a significant high-maintenance aspect and they need to be inspected in the aftermath of storms, etc., in order to discover whether there are any health and safety issues in the context of blades separating from masts. There have been instances in other countries where blades have become detached and fallen onto school playgrounds.

We take the view that it is far more reasonable for schools to consider purchasing wind from the grid. We are examining other areas where renewables can be applied to schools, such as photovoltaic panels or electrical generation. These have no moving parts and are user-friendly to some extent. We have several trial projects in hand. With regard to a renewable energy incentive for heat or electricity which would allow schools to benefit from selling back to the grid, such a process should be quite simple so schools could tie into it. This is not an area over which we have control so I cannot speak any further on it.

I have not seen the INTO's submission so I cannot comment on the four points.