Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

There is a need for a debate in this House on energy policy. Ireland is dependent on oil and many experts believe that at current consumption levels the world stocks of oil will run out in approximately 50 years time. The likelihood is that consumption will increase as far-eastern countries such as China become more developed and that the date will be brought forward. We should explore the use of rape seed and other crops and give more incentives that would decrease the price of vehicles modified to use this type of fuel. We seem to be frightened of wind energy and running away from it. Little wind energy goes into the national grid and we need to increase that.