Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The reality is that one cannot separate power sources in an interconnected grid. Contract arrangements can be made to ensure only a certain type of energy production is funded.

We do not need a debate for debate's sake. As we need massive change in the energy area, it makes sense to debate it to ensure certainty and clear commitment as to where we are going. That debate will not just centre on nuclear power. Unfortunately that is all they want to discuss when one goes to a television or radio station for a debate on energy production. We can get it out of the way by having a debate on it.

Other aspects of the energy debate include transport and how to provide bio-fuels and biomass for fuelling the transport system. There must be a consistent and long-term policy that will allow investors to develop alternative energy solutions.

In the past five years as a Member I have argued trenchantly on these issues and tried to highlight climate change and energy security. I have had no certainty, support nor direction from the Labour Party in these crucial energy issues. A debate may be useful to raise the level of understanding and knowledge to ensure a better policy outcome.

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