Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I will withdraw it. It is astonishing to read in the Government's amendment to this motion that it believes that it has taken a comprehensive, holistic and cohesive policy approach involving all relevant Departments, agencies and stakeholders. I recently accused the Minister and the Government of sleepwalking on the issue of energy and being complacent and short-term in its attitude. Sadly, that charge can be sustained. There have been numerous announcements on new schemes that would give the impression that the Government has a comprehensive plan in place. However, when the details of these announcements are examined, it turns out that the bulk of the money is to be spent in 2008 and beyond, when the Government may not be in power.

See this speech in context