Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This will allow for the maintenance of existing job levels in the region and create a cash crop for local farmers. We are trying to sustain employment. There is no point talking about closing plants until such time as we have in place an alternative. There reaction thus far to proposals put forward by environmental groups has been negative because people tend to forget that we are talking about human beings, families and lives. We need to take a balanced approach to this issue. As Minister, I will take a responsible approach to it. I will work to decarbonise our energy system but I will do so in a responsible manner and not in a way that results in 1,443 families being thrown on the scrap heap.

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