Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I agree. One of the things we are doing among a range of different measures through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland primarily is to put in support grants for a range of new alternative technologies, be it combined heat and power, CHP, systems fired by biomass or high efficiency energy systems. One of the reasons we are providing that support is that we have had almost 150 years of a fossil fuel fired infrastructure. We have built up a gas and oil infrastructure and supply chains to suit that. We are at the start of a new alternative energy system which will take from ten to 30 years to build up. At the start in order to build up the experience we will provide grant support. When the system is up and running the State will step back and allow the market to take over. That is the general approach we are seeking to adopt.

We have a real advantage in this country in that we have one of the best growing climates in the world, we have the best wind resource in the world and we have huge ocean energy potential. Therefore, it makes economic sense for us to do it. There is a cost initially to bring in the economies of scale and the supply chain which has not existed previously and once that is up and running one can make it market effective and efficient.

The Bill is an important measure in delivering on our targets for renewable energy in transport. Furthermore, the safety provisions of the Bill will deliver benefits to LPG consumers and to the public in general. I look forward to working closely with the CER on ensuring the speedy implementation of the Bill's provisions, following enactment. I will be happy to consider carefully any proposed amendments from all parties in this House. I have accepted many amendments in the Seanad. I prefer to listen and to accept amendments where they are appropriate as long as the Attorney General's office tells me that it is kosher. I look forward to the early consideration of this Bill on Committee Stage where I am sure the opportunity will present itself for a more forensic review of the legislation.

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