Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

As far as aid for industry is concerned, I welcome the weighting of support in favour of the less economically forward regions, not just the BMW region but the south east as well.

The chapter on all-island co-operation is an innovative feature of the plan. It builds on earlier initiatives, some of which the Leader was involved with when she was Minister for Public Enterprise, such as the City of Derry Airport and the all-island energy policy. It is appropriate and all sides of the House should defend it even if some of the money will be spent north of the Border. It is one of the fruits of the peace process and the knitting together of the island economy. Much of this will be achieved through the North-South bodies, where the tourism body has been already an outstanding success.

The plan pays attention to environmental sustainability, something that has been highlighted in various reports in recent times. We have made progress in this area, such as the increase in recycling from 9% in 1998, a minimal figure, to 35% three years ago. Progress is being made but more should be done, such as investment in water schemes, as I mentioned on the Order of Business this morning.

I have reservations about the large-scale deployment of wind energy when dealing with alternative energies. Caution is needed because this depends on the siting of such facilities and communities must be included in the process. We cannot impose wind farms on areas where local communities do not want them.

I welcome the €126 million to be spent on the islands, a sum that will achieve a great deal for the communities living on them.

I do not have time to go into detail on every aspect of the plan.