Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

This Government is committed to creating the conditions to keep energy price rises to a minimum. We are committed to a strong, vibrant and competitive economy. While any increase in energy prices is unwelcome, these are primarily a function of an upward shift in global commodity prices, particularly in respect of oil and gas. They are also a result of our location and of our dependence on imported fossil fuels. The motion gives me the opportunity to outline the concrete steps which the Government has taken and is taking to mitigate the vulnerability we face as an island nation on the periphery of Europe with few interconnections and a heavy dependence on foreign fossil fuels. This backdrop highlights the hypocrisy of Fine Gael Deputies in tabling this motion and reveals their tunnel vision and insular perspective on the global challenges we face. It also reveals their short-sightedness in refusing to contribute positively to the development of an agreed policy on such important areas as renewable energy and a vision for the future on an all-party basis, as proposed by Deputy Eamon Ryan of the Green Party.

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