Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I second Senator Coghlan's proposal for a debate on prices. It is necessary given the cost of energy. Will the Leader arrange a debate on energy during which we could consider the cost of oil and our carbon emissions reduction target of 20% by 2020?

We should develop a network of co-operative wind farms. Farmers should be brought together in groups to set up co-operative wind farms, as other co-operatives have served the country well. The wind farms should be given State support, the relevant Minister should lead the initiative and access to the grid should be provided to allow us to avail of the electricity generated. This initiative has the potential to reduce energy costs, to provide farmers with a local income during difficult times in the agricultural sector and to reach our carbon emissions target.