Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The British Government, for which I do not speak, is opposed to a financial transaction tax. The Irish Government has made its position clear on this.

I do not share Deputy Higgins's view that the greening issue is a bad joke. I actually believe investment in green and renewable energy, such as pumped-storage hydroelectricity and wind-generated electricity, are worthwhile and achievable targets. Deputy Higgins is aware this country imports over €6 billion worth of fossil fuels every year. We have the best water and wind resources of any country in Europe yet we have not harnessed them to the extent we should.

There is potential for the direct export of electricity from our country to Britain. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has had several meetings with his British opposite number, Charles Hendry. The British Government is concluding its internal analysis of Britain's energy needs for the years ahead. I know the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, will be anxious to pursue, if at all possible, and to conclude an intergovernmental agreement in this area which would be in Ireland's and Britain's interests as well as Europe's. If there is a significant potential for investment and job creation in clean, green, renewable energy, I would not refer to it as a bad joke and neither should Deputy Higgins. Written Answers follow Adjournment.

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