Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The answer to all of the questions concerning what went into the examination being done about the development of wind energy is "Yes". Deputy Colreavy's concluding point specifically referred to the memorandum of understanding I signed last week with the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. I would be more than pleased to appear before the Oireachtas committee whenever the members wish to arrange it.

I have stayed away from the jobs potential, but it is significant. Some of the developers who are preparing projects and involved in the planning arrangements and the acquisition of land and so on have put figures on the jobs potential, but I am not keen to be dragged down that road nor do I wish to be dragged down the road of being partisan in terms of any particular developer. Anyway, there is significant potential for jobs not least in the construction area and that is potentially significant.

Deputy Colreavy made a point about the economics of wind energy. The answer cannot omit to take into account that as part of the thrust of the policy, which is to de-carbonise our energy systems, the build up of our renewable capacity is essential. If we are to meet our mandatory and ambitious targets for renewable energy, which aim for 40% generation by renewable energy sources by 2020, as agreed with EU member states, then we must build out our renewable capacity. We are fortunate to have particularly propitious wind resources. It is the exploitation of an indigenous resource that will create jobs on the island and create wealth and that is to be welcomed.

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