Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I noticed at the commencement of the talks, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, made a statement which clearly indicated that competitiveness would be the big issue. Does the Government have a position on the issue of competitiveness from an international energy point view? That will be a key issue at the talks if we are dealing with competitiveness.

Is the Taoiseach aware of reports this morning from Sweden that it proposes to be the world's first oil free economy? It has a population of 9 million. The Swedish energy minister stated that a Sweden free of fossil fuels would give it enormous advantages not least by reducing impact from fluctuation in oil prices. Given that Ireland is the most oil dependent country in the EU, how does the Taoiseach propose to address the slide in competitiveness which is inevitable when one engages in the partnership talks? Can he offer anything to the other social partners?

My colleague, Deputy Boyle, asked the Taoiseach whether environmental and energy NGOs would be part of the partnership process. I also mentioned it to him in February 2005. The Taoiseach said he did not have any problem. Has there been any development on that? Does he see it is now more urgent than ever?

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