Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

This is excellent legislation. The Minister and his officials should be complimented on the consultative process that was put in place and the opportunities and time given to people to make an input, which is as it should be. The area of planning is currently possibly one of the most contentious issues. We know that in this House because at every opportunity a planning issue is raised.

One issue that is gaining prominence is that of wind farms. There will be few places where this issue will not come centre stage. As with all relatively new developments, the positive and the negative aspects of them are put forward. I recall when we discussed the issue of asbestos and it was proposed to locate an asbestos dump in Ovens in County Cork. Some of the people present are too young to remember that debate but I remember it well. The experts at that time made it clear there was no inherent health danger from asbestos. We all know that is not true because asbestos is cancer inducing. One dare not even remove asbestos except under the strictest conditions, which also apply to its disposal. That illustrates that it is right at times to listen to what people say on such issues and to listen to people who express a common sense view. We also need to carry out sufficient research to obtain all professional information available on such developments.

I am informed that an issue related to wind farms is a cause of concern to medical people. As the sun sets and sunlight reflects on the blade of the windmill, there is as a flicker effect which can trigger various ailments, including epilepsy. If a person suffers from epilepsy, such an effect can severely aggravate it. That is a major concern because that is only one medical condition that is triggered by that flicker effect, but I am sure it may impact on many more.

There is also the issue of the flicker effect on animals. I am informed that it can have a major impact on animals, particularly bloodstock and horses. The Minister will understand the point I am about to make. I am not putting the concern of the impact on animals above that of its impact on human beings, but the former is an issue that should be considered. We have a thriving bloodstock industry in Tipperary. People in Kildare and other parts of the country would say likewise about their counties. This industry is world famous and it means a great deal to us. If there is an inherent danger associated with wind farms, about which there is a growing concern, and the flicker effect can have a bearing on animals, this issue needs to be considered.

If provision to deal with this issue is not included in this legislation, guidelines or other measures might be prepared. The two issues I outlined, namely, the human and the animal aspects, are serious. I would like to hear a response from the Minister on this matter.