Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I am pleased that we have been able to have this Second Stage debate and that we have been able to introduce stand-alone legislation. As Deputies have stated, the Bill is complex and difficult. As I have mentioned several times, I was told by my Department that it would have been possible to handle this matter in an alternative way, but the flexibility shown in getting through Second Stage tonight will allow us on Committee Stage to get into many of the complex details raised on the floor. They are not easily understood, but they are worth serious consideration. Deputy Coveney raised North-South issues and we will revert to the valuable questions involved on Committee Stage.

As to the 65% figure, being precise about the real windfall accruing to each generation station is difficult. During our more extensive debate on Committee Stage, we can revert to the question of what the figure should be and discuss why we believe 65% is the right figure while still allowing flexibility in the ministerial order for adjustment if we see fit.

I could use up my full 15 minutes discussing the PSO, which is a sensitive issue for many Deputies opposite.

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