Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

This question was tabled in the context of job losses and the concerns expressed by the business community and Forfás regarding inflation and the high cost of services, not only in the energy sector but in the extremely expensive area of telecommunications. I fully endorse what the Minister stated. The business sector and IBEC support the policy he promotes. However, questions arise as to how that policy will be paid for. When one considers the extent of infrastructural investment required, one must also ask how we will get from here to there. The ESB referred to an infrastructural investment of €22 billion and the relevant report indicates that an investment of approximately €800 million will be required in respect of the grid. These are enormous commitments.

Apart from a notional commitment in the Department's Vote, which was discussed, in the context of the Revised Estimates, at this morning's meeting of the Select Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Government is offering nothing in respect of the developments to which I refer. I presume consumers will be obliged to pay the bill. The latter is the issue that concerns those in business and the people who are paying these bills at present. During this morning's debate at the select committee, it emerged that the dividend paid by energy companies to the Government is not included in the figure for appropriations in aid. I presume that money could be invested in infrastructural development. Will the Minister clarify how he envisages how the bill will be paid?

See this speech in context