Brendan Daly (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Green Paper and the Government's commitment that there will not be a break-up of the ESB which has been indicated by commentators for some time. This has confirmed that the ESB will remain the dominant force in the energy area for the foreseeable future. I also welcome the decision to press ahead with renewables, especially ocean energy.

I express our appreciation for the work the ESB has done at Moneypoint where more than 300 people are employed. The station is worth €25 million per annum to the local economy and we would like to see it develop. I compliment the people working there on cleaning up the coal technology to ensure the station complies with environmental requirements.