Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Undoubtedly, there is potential in solar technology. On a number of occasions, I discussed these issues with energy Ministers in Europe. In more than one country in Europe, a regime of subsidies was put in place for solar energy that is now regretted. It is not that the regimes are regretted because of the authorities not believing solar technology is good but because it now turns out it was not necessary to subsidise it at the level at which it was subsidised. I have praised previous Governments for recognising the importance and cost-effectiveness of onshore wind energy. It is a question of not getting in too early and not waiting too long. Our success in regard to onshore wind energy is clear. We just have to be careful. Solar energy is certainly becoming much cheaper. The Deputy is absolutely correct that prices are tumbling all over the world, with China leading the fray in regard to the manufacturing of solar technology. The questions to be asked are whether we should intervene with a subsidy and how best we can protect the consumer. Obviously, we do not want to hold back too long because the technology can get ahead of us. However, we also do not want to be getting in too early, as other countries did by putting in place subsidy regimes that were not necessary because investors would have invested in any case.

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