John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls for a debate on the economy, but I would like it to have a particular focus. The advent of the Lisbon treaty indicates Europe will rightly take a leading role in energy matters. The EU already takes this role in such sectors as agriculture. I have mentioned previously, but it is worth repeating, that for the provision of clean, green energy there is no country in Europe better placed than Ireland. We could avail of EU funds to install, off the west coast, clean, green energy to supply Europe. This is a possibility at a time when we are all conscious of the price of energy and the carbon cost. There could be significant benefits in employment and cheap electricity for the country that provides such energy for the rest of Europe. I ask the leader for a debate on energy, including the cost and the possible benefits accruing to the nation from using the competence the EU will assume under the Lisbon treaty which, I trust, will be passed.