Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

In conclusion, my proposition to the Minister is that we prioritise access to the grid for renewable energy projects. The ESB needs to be taken on head-on. If competition needs to be introduced to achieve this, it should be introduced. We also need to consider rail and buses as an immediate public transport alternative which will allow us to reduce emissions. We should examine the issue of micro-generation of energy by wind turbines for homes and factories, and the provision of access to the grid for these micro-generators. Enterprising people who want to generate green energy should be encouraged, but they are currently faced with obstacles such as an inability to access the grid or to obtain an outlet for their energy and the impossibility of making money from it. This is horrendous. I ask the Minister to deal with this as a matter of urgency.