Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The reply mirrors the response I got from the Ministers for Transport and Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on what they see as our future prospects. It appears all three say there is no long-term analysis. The Minister for Transport said he was not even predicting to the end of this year and, therefore, why would he predict ten years down the line. Most international indicators suggest the peak in oil production is close, following which there will be significant increases in oil prices that will make the recent increase look like minor blips.

We are uniquely exposed given that 60% of our prime energy consumption is in the form of imported oil — the European average is approximately 45%. Has the Tánaiste's Department any intention of planning for that? It could be on the basis of the investments we make in our science foundation, finally deciding to invest in sustainable technologies where there will be future markets or changing the policy on carbon taxes. If the revenue was returned in the form of lower employers' PRSI one could try, in advance of the oil shock, to turn the Irish economy towards labour intensive rather than energy intensive industries. That would be a clever preparation for such an event given our exposure.

Why does the Government have no long-term plan in this area? The only response I ever get to that question is that the market is up but it is hoped it will be down in a few months' time. Why is it the Government does not look five or ten years down the line? Would the Tánaiste consider it a clever idea to adjust some of the other policies within her Department to take into account that a peak in oil production is due and that the Irish economy is uniquely exposed?

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