Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State has rejected the proposal contained in amendment No. 19 which sought to introduce an element of ministerial control. Section 3(6) lists the various areas in which the bodies will be incorporated, such as energy efficiency services, energy research and development and other sustainable energy activities. These other sustainable activities are not defined. This is a weakness and it is the reason for tabling the amendment. It seeks to give the Minister control and the means to take action. Of course, Ministers have become shy of becoming involved in such matters because it might mean that they would be held responsible. It would be really awful if they were expected to take action in the face of a catastrophic fuel shortage.

Amendment No. 19 would considerably strengthen the Bill. Failing to ensure that such power is available to the Minister is a mistake. The phrase "as may, from time to time, be determined by the Minister" is one that has been regularly used in Bills that come before the House, and I am sure it will be used in the future too. The Minister of State has not accepted this amendment because he does not want direct, dictate, control, or advice on policy. The longer this continues the worse matters will become. I ask the Minister of State to reconsider.

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