Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank Deputy Gilmore for sharing time. I also thank Fine Gael for putting this motion, which the Labour Party supports, before the House. Although the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, says it is the third time this issue has been discussed, there is a need for this third discussion in view of the number of representations Members receive on the matter. In recent weeks, in particular, Members are hearing on the doorsteps what people think about the problems facing them with energy and so forth.

The belated publication of the Government's White Paper on energy is welcome but hugely disappointing in terms of the challenge facing Ireland in developing its renewable resources and addressing the critical issue of climate change. The Labour Party opposes the break up of the ESB or the atomisation of the company and its core grid and generation assets.

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