Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

My local authority in County Mayo has amended its county development plan to include various types of energy such as solar, wave and wind power. Many local authorities have not done so and they should. That would help with the planning process for wind and wave power projects. Senator O'Malley said there could be problems down the road for offshore licences and so forth. The issue should be considered by every local authority, especially those in coastal areas which have potential for wind and wave power. As an island country, we have golden opportunities to export energy. We should be in the export business. We have more wind and waves than the majority of European countries but there are obstacles.

I welcome the report that was commissioned by the Oireachtas committee, which contains some criticism, perhaps in small print, of the Minister's Department and suggests it is not moving quickly enough. It is a good report and I commend the committee on what it says, particularly about electric vehicles.

Sustainable Energy Ireland is like a secret service in some respects. Getting a smart meter is not the easiest task in the world. We need to have the infrastructure in place. That leads me to the interconnector and the separation of the national grid. The Minister is moving in the right direction, but the report suggests he is moving slowly in some areas.

The Acting Chairman is looking at Senator White, so I will conclude now.