Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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I, too, welcome the Minister and his officials. I also welcome publication of the Green Paper. It is good that it has been published at this time. While this is not the best time in the establishment of policy, there is much that can be done strategically to benefit the State.

I would like to discuss further some of the points raised in the Green Paper. I often wonder if we had to undertake a rural electrification process of the type developed more than 90 years ago, how difficult it would be for us to do so in the current climate. Under the citizenship clause, infrastructural development, citizens' sensitivity to cost and consistent supply can no longer be taken for granted. Members may have heard the references by the comedian Des Bishop to our unique relationship with immersion. They are not far off the mark. Citizens are very price sensitive and this should always be remembered.

On the infrastructural section of the Green Paper, in terms of public consultation, we have not done a good job. It will always be challenging to secure stakeholder and citizen involvement and this process is not going to get any easier. As such, we need to learn from previous mistakes and shortcomings.

In regard to micro-generation, district heating systems and smart metering, practices in other jurisdictions are better. The Minister referred to our weaknesses in terms of our geography and the diversity of population. However, they can also be strengths in delivering programmes or initiatives, particularly in rural or peripheral areas, where the bar might not as high in terms of citizen involvement. I would wager that if initiatives were of community benefit, there would be greater community involvement.

Were the views of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland solicited prior to publication of the Green Paper or have they offered their views on a consistent, sustainable and competitive energy supply? If so, what was their view on the delivery of these cornerstones of energy supply throughout the State rather than on the eastern seaboard only? The Minister might also say whether, as part of the research and development element of the Green Paper, there will be a greater mix of Government and private sector investment in research and development in the State. I am not sure there is a good equilibrium. Perhaps he might offer his view on whether there should be more or less Government intervention in research and development.