Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I wish to share time with Senator Mary White. I welcome the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Ryan, back to the House. It is great to listen to him as he has a great knowledge and is very much on top of his brief. This is not the first time the Seanad has heard him speak about different types of energy. He said at the beginning of his speech that energy is one of the greatest challenges the country faces but that there are also huge opportunities. That is true. The Government should take on board Fine Gael's policy document on creating 100,000 jobs. I am disappointed the Government has not taken it on board. It should look closely at the document.

I commend Senator Quinn on lodging the motion and giving Members an opportunity to discuss this important issue. I am rather disappointed with Senator O'Malley because Senator Coffey did qualify Fine Gael's position. He said the issue of nuclear power should be debated openly but separately.