Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister. It is always reassuring and inspiring to hear him speak on this subject, which is the basis and stimulation of his political life. No doubt he has a long-term interest in the area, a message which we receive very strongly when listening to him speak on the topic. I refer to comments made by the Minister, especially the remarks on political will. Anything can occur when political will is in place. This is the reason we are especially fortunate to have Deputy Ryan in the Ministry. He is certainly not wanting in political will.

I am a member of the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security. Senator Norris made reference to the development of ocean energy, an area in which we could improve. It is fair enough for Senator Norris to urge for more money to be invested in it, but times are difficult. In an ideal world more money would be made available. However, we can try to ensure the legislative framework is such that legislation is not a barrier to progress and I refer in particular to the Foreshore Act in this regard. This area should be addressed. The last thing we need is barriers to access to investment in the private sector. As the Minister correctly stated, we have the best resources to develop wind and ocean energy. We must be enthusiastic and welcome people into the area by getting rid of barriers which exist. I impress upon the Minister the need to do work in this area. I realise there is toing and froing between the committee and the Department related to the legislation we have drafted. However, we all seek the same result and I call on the Minister to act in this area.

Earlier, I listened to Senator Quinn. I agreed with his point, that is, there is no reason for a Government amendment to the motion. It is clear how carefully he has crafted the motion, which is wide open, could not cause offence and is seeking an open debate on the matter. Of course, when I examined the supplementary Order Paper I saw the Government amendment. It is clear the Government is proud of its work in this area, which is fair enough. It is unfortunate the Senator's motion was not accepted.

Equally, I was very disappointed with the Fine Gael amendment. At the root of our problem is a fear about discussing the matter. The Minister spoke very eloquently about why we must open the debate. I concur with his comments to the effect that we were the two parties on the previous Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security which consistently called for a debate on the nuclear energy issue, and with very good reason. The Minister is convinced of the argument that it is a matter of safety and economics. However, what we heard from the Minister this evening must receive a wider audience. At least he is courageous enough to examine the matter and to call on others to discuss it. The cowardice of other political parties and people on this matter is terrible. They run from the issue of nuclear power, but we must face up to it.

Senator Twomey referred to interconnectivity. He is fooling himself if he believes we will be able to take nuclear generated electricity from the United Kingdom and mainland Europe in future. We are already doing so. He stated it is nice that we can have that luxury, which is a typical Irish response. That point of view accepts that other countries will take risks but that we receive the benefit of those risks without debating the matter ourselves. That is why I am especially disappointed with the Fine Gael motion. They simply wish to shut down debate on the issue. They do not wish to be associated with any debate concerning nuclear power, which is not to the credit of the party because the people are ready for a proper debate.

The basis of Senator Quinn's motion concerns security of supply and climate change and we are all agreed on these matters. The Minister spoke very eloquently about the issue of climate change and also stated that our competitiveness is vitally important. I have been interested in and have worked in this area for the past seven or eight years. There is sometimes a knee-jerk reaction to nuclear power and an instinct to close down any negotiation on the matter. One really must inform oneself rather than close one's mind.

It has been interesting to see the issues of climate change and renewable energy move from the political sidelines to centre stage. Senator Quinn made reference to the issue of environmental safety. I encountered a quote when doing research for this area which gave me pause for thought. One cause of climate change trouble is high carbon emissions from coal and gas burning. That is a reality. The high emissions of greenhouse gases in these areas will destroy the planet.

I refer to the question of the destructive qualities of nuclear power. Senator Quinn mentioned statistics which indicate nuclear power has not caused more damage than other sources of power. There is a quote, upon which we should all reflect, to the effect that a low carbon future is simply impossible without nuclear power. If we were honest with ourselves we would realise that is true. We must acknowledge the damage that burning coal and gas has done in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. We must also recognise the role that nuclear power must play internationally. I agree with one point made by the Minister concerning the national grid and whether it has the capacity to deal with nuclear power. There is also the matter of whether there should be such a station in Ireland. The Minister will be well aware of the views and we have discussed the matter previously.

Ireland's heavy dependency on imported fuels would be even worse if such countries as France and the United Kingdom did not have nuclear power. I would welcome an honest and open debate which is why I commend Senator Quinn for raising the subject. Last year, there was an interruption in gas supply because of a dispute between the Ukraine and Russia. In such circumstances France would look after itself in the first instance, as would the United Kingdom. Luckily, France is heavily dependent on nuclear power such that it does not mind exporting and has plenty of energy to sell. I welcome the debate and I hope we attain what the committee seeks, that is, an open debate on the matter. More people should hear the contributions made this evening, especially that of the Minister.