Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

Is the Minister aware that numerous experts, including Dr. M. King Hubbert, predicted that US oil production would peak in 1970 — he was just a year out — and he also predicted that world oil production would peak between 2006 and 2013, which suggests that oil prices are on an upward trend, notwithstanding the current position? From this we must create an opportunity for our tourism industry.

If, as Dr. Hubbert stated, every country will have to face rising fuel prices, a study of the impact of oil prices on tourism is required. If we use our natural potential by producing fuel cells from wind energy, by using rape seed oil in public vehicles, providing subsidies for taxi drivers who use bio-fuels and transferring taxes on to energy and off employers' PRSI, we can create jobs and become more competitive as a quality tourist destination.

Does the Minister agree it is high time the tourism policy review group specifically examined the long-term impact of energy price increases? Rather than looking at the negative aspects, we should examine the positive aspects of how we can be a cost-effective quality tourist destination by producing as much of our own energy as possible.

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