Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

Yes, I accept that. That is human nature. I agree with much of what is contained in the motion. The Government led by former Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave, was in power in the 1970s. He is a man for whom I have great regard. Senator Regan referred to the standards applied by Fianna Fáil in appointments to public office. The Government at that time was a coalition of Labour, Fine Gael and Democratic Left. On cronyism, that Government, before going out of office, appointed to public office friends, relations and anybody it could get hold of. It is not fair for Opposition speakers to lecture this side of the House about cronyism when Labour and Fine Gael did likewise in the 1970s. I accept neither party has been in office too often since - they were in office for only a short time, in the Government led by former Deputy John Bruton and as such their ability to make appointments was minimised.

As Senator Quinn said, people from the private sector, if we make it too difficult for them by wanting to know what they had for breakfast, will be reluctant to give of their time to serve in the public interest. Many of these people do not need the remuneration they are paid. Many of them would probably do the job for nothing. It is important we attract people with the requisite knowledge, skill and expertise in whatever field we require. The group, Spirit of Ireland, which came together and produced a product for energy supply did not engage in that task for financial reward. That group is to set up a co-operative in which farmers and other members of the public and can purchase shares. Its aim is to make our country energy efficient. This has come about because we are in crisis. It might never have happened were we not experiencing the current crisis.

It is important we encourage people to come up with ideas and to be of service to the country. I do not have much time for over-regulation or red tape as this makes much more difficult the start up of new business and job creation, which we all want. Currently, people wishing to develop an idea or project in the interests of the country cannot do so because our planning laws are too restrictive. We should have a national plan whereby if it is in the national interest we are able to do it. We could be self-sufficient in energy in five years. We cannot be self-sufficient in energy in five years because the planning requirements will not allow it. We as legislators should change the planning legislation to ensure we deliver to the country.