Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls from Senator Ó Murchú and Senator Glynn for appropriate State recognition of the contribution made by the Christian Brothers to the development of Irish society over the past two centuries. Many generations of Irish boys would not have had access to an education but for the contribution and self-sacrifice of many within the order. It imbued a love of our island, of being Irish and having pride in ourselves. It also gave us a love of our native sports, hurling and football, and grá for an teanga Gaeilge atá sa chinn. It is very appropriate that the order be recognised at this stage, as it is no longer actively involved in the education system.

I support the comments made with regard to the need for wind energy. I previously called in this House for national guidelines for a national wind energy strategy to emanate from the relevant Department. My understanding is that the matter is now being addressed. I ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to attend at an early stage to discuss the content of those guidelines. Senator Quinn and others have championed the need for independent energy sources in order to meet our future obligations.