Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this important Bill. It is not for the reasons that other people have because I do not believe in climate change. The climate changes but not for the reasons that people say. The climate has changed over the centuries, and always has, including when there were few mechanical vehicles or use of oil to cause it. However, I realise that we need competition and other sources of energy. This year, electricity has increased in price by 13% and gas by between 9% and 12%. The cost of fuel for vehicles has increased. Any other source of energy would be welcomed.

This is a very good idea and I support the idea of microgeneration. Going back 90 years, in Shandrum in Kilgarvan, the Sweeney family made their own electricity and rigged up their house with a hydro scheme. They built their own little hydro dam to produce their own electricity for many years. If a family attempted to do that today, the fisheries authorities would pursue them, threaten to and maybe succeed in jailing them.

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