Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Last night, we had a constructive debate on the national development plan. However, this morning the chairman of the National Competitiveness Council warned that policies on energy security are key to the longer term growth of the economy. I am unsure of the Government's policy on biofuels but I understand people who have invested in cars which can use biofuels have great difficulties finding places to fill their tanks. In Brazil, I understand every petrol station supplies biofuels in addition to petrol because that country's Government recognises the need for alternative energy resources. We should encourage our Government to take a similar approach by means of a debate in this House on the National Competitiveness Council.

I support Senator Ross's call for a debate on the nurses' claim but for different reasons. The Senator is incorrect when he claims nurses are being turned down because of fears that the partnership agreement could be damaged. A system has been established in the partnership process for benchmarking and, while the Senator may not necessarily agree with that system, we should debate the matter.

I have difficulties with Senator O'Toole's call for the Seanad to vet future appointments to boards. It is not always easy to find the best person for such jobs and board members and directors already have enough responsibilities without having to face the scrutiny of the Seanad or any other Oireachtas committee. It is likely that we would end up with an unsuitable second best candidate rather than the best person for the job.