Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)

The 40% target was agreed upon when the Labour Party was in opposition. Unfortunately, the figures show there has been some slippage since then. The point is that we have a hugely undervalued potential resource. As the Minister observed, wave energy is hugely expensive. Although its development is essentially in its infancy, it is progressing well and there is no reason that we cannot be world leaders in this area. Why should a semi-State company not spearhead that development rather than leaving it to the private concerns lining up on the wings to benefit out of it, as they will do in the case of the Corrib gas field? This is a resource for the people and something which can stimulate job creation. That is what the Minister's party argued for in opposition - I have read the document - and I would have assumed its policy in government would correspond. Will the Minister respond to my question on the cost-benefit analysis?

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