Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Every State car, bus and other form of transport should use renewable energy or biofuels. That is the only way forward. We should also be more aggressive in pursuing this option in the context of our agricultural policy. Many acres of land have been set aside or will never be used in the context of our current agricultural practices. This could change and many more people could work in agriculture if we were to develop crops that are suitable for the production of biodiesel and so on. If the Minister proposed to the Cabinet that a proportion of biofuel should be introduced into existing diesel and petrol engines, it would make a significant difference to our carbon emissions and would be of significant assistance to the development of crops which would be suitable for conversion.

In summary, everyone agrees that we neither want nor accept the privatisation of the British nuclear industry. I understand that it will cost in the order of €100 billion to decommission the United Kingdom's nuclear legacy. While the British Government's views may be genuine, we do not accept them and this privatisation is unacceptable to Members. Despite serious and significant problems, particularly in respect of the operation of Sellafield, Members still feel that the nuclear industry should remain in public hands and that no private companies should work there. It should be operated as it is at present, with all its faults and failings.

Finally, I want the Minister to state on the record whether he knew of the MOX transport to which I referred earlier. If so, why did he not make a statement in that regard? We must be clear and must have complete transparency and openness as to what the Government is doing and what it has been told, as well as with whom it has been in communication. The Freedom of Information Act was amended by the Government, which has removed transparency and openness. Members have been deprived of clarity and the entire truth as to what the Minister is or is not doing. I am greatly concerned that I might be informed that providing me with information on some of these matters would threaten the State's security. This is utter and absolute rubbish. Events in Sellafield threaten the security of our citizens. If Members do not know the full story or all the facts and if the Minister hides behind the Freedom of Information Act, as amended, he deserves to be absolutely condemned for his lack of transparency and openness.

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