Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

That was a remarkably technically adept contribution from a Senator who said he had no technical expertise in this area. I join other Members in welcoming the Minister of State and his officials to the House. It is interesting that we had no debate on energy in the House for some four years but have had five or six such debates in the last several weeks. Many of us have had opportunities to raise issues of concern and I do not wish to be repetitive.

This is a highly technical Bill and, like Senator O'Toole, I do not claim to be in any way fluent in the intricacies of its provisions. In general terms, it allows the regulator to operate in an all-island energy market. This is to be welcomed. Earlier today, another Member pointed to the importance of working towards an all-Ireland economy in general. The sooner we make progress in this regard, the greater will be the benefits not only in the energy sector but also in terms of the ability of the island of Ireland to attract foreign direct investment in an environment where indigenous industry and commercial activity can flourish to a greater extent than heretofore.

I welcome the Bill's provisions in regard to ministerial direction on policy issues. Other Departments can learn from this. To use the analogy of local authorities, too much has become an executive function. The input of Departments is being diluted. A question to a Minister, for example, may well draw the reply that he or she does not have responsibility in a particular matter. It is left to the questioner to seek answers in various places, often ending up no wiser than when he or she started. This Bill provides that the Minister shall have the power to make a direction in regard to any matters raised, and will do so in a manner that ensures greater accountability to the Oireachtas. All Ministers should have this capability. This common sense approach can be lost within regulation and legislation. We can only gain from the inclusion of such a vitally important provision.

Anything that facilitates the development of an all-island energy market is positive. Such a development is good for competition. I understand Senator Finucane's questioning whether the introduction of the regulator has seen any real benefit to the consumer. An all-island energy market will be larger and may attract more operators, to the benefit of the consumer. It would also be positive for security of supply.

Most Members have referred to the renewable energy area. Recently, there was a good debate in the House on the White Paper on energy. Much more, however, needs to be done in this area. As Senators O'Toole and Kenneally stated, we do not wish to look to the nuclear option but to renewable energy sources. To achieve this, the public must be more incentivised. While we all identify energy supply as a problem well down the line, we will be better off if we are innovative at an early stage in getting people to buy into green energy. Many people, including Members, may change their cars in January. They could make a contribution to the use of renewable energy if they have €150,000 to buy a hybrid top-of-the-range Lexus.