Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I have no problem with updating Bord na Móna, its financial resources and its ability to trade and expand into new markets, providing new services. I spoke about some of the areas into which it is moving. Perhaps the Minister might state to what extent the ESB is committed to Bord na Móna peat contracts and for how many years. For how many years more will reserves of peat be available? How many commitments have been made or contracts entered into? To what extent does it affect the board's finances?

A matter that has arisen many times is the reinstatement of cut-away bogs. There are horticultural proposals, among others, some of which have worked and some of which have not. To what extent, in his discussions with Bord na Móna, was the Minister able to evaluate its proposals? I note that Bord na Móna is interested in renewable energy, which we have already discussed. To what extent is it developing, given the resources that the board has had? Will it have more resources than a small operator in a modest town or village? Has it given, or does it intend to give, its full commitment and support? Will this provision in the Bill suffice to elicit a major, substantial, worthwhile and long-lasting commitment regarding delivery of the alternative energy that must be pursued in future?

My reason for asking is that if we look at charts detailing electricity production from various components throughout Europe, we see that we are not, and should not be, reliant on nuclear energy. In the case of an interconnector, there will be some nuclear-generated electricity in the mix, which will mean fun for the Minister and his colleagues. One thing is clear: if we are to make a serious impact on provision of alternative fuels, import substitution and the economic independence that derives therefrom, we need big players on the field who will make a serious investment in the bio-energy sector.

This Bill provides an opportunity for Bord na Móna to get involved in the area in a major fashion, building on its history of energy provision. We must draw on all possible alternatives, since no single one will solve the energy problem now or in the future. A combination is undoubtedly the route that must be followed in this country if we are to preserve the highest possible security of supply. In our control, within the bounds of these shores, we must have the possibility of producing something sustainable, environmentally friendly, economically viable and available.

Much has been said regarding security of energy supply, but this much is certain. If we produce that supply ourselves from multifarious means, we will have a better chance of controlling it than if we import it from another country whose rulers might decide that they are in a huff about something and turn the tap off. That has serious consequences, and I once again emphasise that whoever holds the portfolio in future will become acutely aware of market sensitivities.

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