Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate on energy costs but we must also look seriously at the public health issues which are involved. I call on all Deputies and the Government to be radical, creative and sensible on the issue of energy. We need to be proactive in developing policies. Dithering or delaying is no longer an option. The Independent Deputies will always support sensible, clean, creative energy policies.

My concerns are basically the increased costs of energy arising from global instability and the threat this presents to our economy, coupled with the economic impact of our failure to meet our commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. I condemn the Government for its failure to act in a meaningful way on the alternative energy agenda. The current measures in place to improve Ireland's renewable energy output are totally inadequate.

I strongly support the section in the motion which calls for the removal of excise duty on biofuels to stimulate production. It is most important that an appropriate agency would be set up to co-ordinate the research required for the development of the renewable energy sector. I warn those who are trying to sneak in nuclear energy by the back door that they will be challenged most strenuously in this House. I welcome the debate and call for radical, new and creative policies on energy.

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