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

We do not need it ourselves. If there was a question of domestic need, that would come first. We have capacity to generate more than what we need domestically. If we can find a market in which to sell the excess, why should we not open a new trade sector in green energy?

The process has not been under way for three years. I said in my formal reply that the memorandum was signed last January. I set out in my answer some of the very complex issues that must be resolved. There is no surprise at all that an intergovernmental agreement would take this kind of time. It is important that I, as guarantor for the Irish people, ensure there is a benefit for the Exchequer and State; otherwise there will not be in agreement. If I were rushing into an agreement, Deputy Colreavy would be accusing me of being hasty.

There is a national strategy in place but Deputy Colreavy fails to acknowledge that, as is his entitlement. I will be publishing a Green Paper on energy policy within the next six weeks or so and perhaps he and I can make a fresh start with that paper. I look forward to his input.

It is not reconcilable to allege we are improving grid transmission to accommodate the wind export project to Britain and, on the other hand, question whether we will ever be able to connect the wind export project technology to the domestic Irish grid. People must decide which side they are coming down on.

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