Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

We have had a good debate on this important topic. All of us who have contributed to the discussion would agree that it is a challenging and complex area. It covers a range of issues which can be difficult to grasp if one does not have a technical background. Nonetheless, we can all appreciate how essential it is for the future well being of the planet to address this issue effectively.

A number of points have been made which need to be re-emphasised. Senator Quinn referred to energy conservation, which is an important component of the general energy issue. It can make a significant contribution because there is a waste of energy in all spheres. We are all guilty of it to a greater or lesser degree. I cited the example of the heating system in the Houses of the Oireachtas, but it is not easy to regulate such matters and unless somebody is policing energy conservation it tends not to happen. It could, however, form a significant part of our contribution to the overall reduction.

I agree fully with what Senator O'Toole said on park and ride. The amount of CO2 emissions due to traffic jams in cities is very noticeable. Someone once told me that if I wanted to conserve my petrol consumption, then I should switch off my engine at a traffic light and there would be a noticeable improvement in mileage from petrol use. Park and ride is the way to approach that. There is not enough planning done regarding these issues.

Senator O'Toole also mentioned fission versus fusion in the nuclear energy debate. I am not an expert on it, but I remember the debates about it on Wexford County Council in the late 1970s, as the proposed nuclear plant was to be at Carnsore Point. As a consequence, we were more up to speed than other councils and it was a burning issue. Even though the Government at the time was strongly in favour of this happening, I was pleased that it did not come to fruition and we managed to cater for significant economic development in the meantime without having to resort to nuclear power.

There needs to be a debate on nuclear energy and it may well be that technology has ensured that there is less danger. However, I have a principled objection as we inherited a planet Earth in our generation that was relatively free from pollution. The industrialisation of the last century has given rise to much damage to the planet. We have an obligation to pass it on in an equally good condition to future generations. Much of the waste from nuclear plants has been buried at sea, but nobody knows the adverse health consequences of that. Who is to say that any release of radioactivity in the sea is not having an effect on our marine life? Let us not solve today's problems by creating a bigger problem in the future.

Progress is being made in areas such as bio-fuel use. People are involved in this industry in my county and in Wicklow. A new plant is currently being built in my own town that will produce bio-fuel. Production of oil seed rape increased by 50% between 2006 and 2007, from 12,000 acres to 18,000 acres. That is driven by Government policy and there is a new energy crop payment of €80 per hectare, as well as establishment grants of €1,400 per hectare. However, the significant move by the Government was to provide about €200 million in excise relief, which has provided the scope for people to participate in this industry.

It is a pity the House will divide on the motion, because I agree with much of what is in the amendment. I wonder if Fine Gael would be prepared to accept the Government motion and continue with the second part of its amendment.