Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

However, the west has huge potential for wealth creation, particularly because the currencies of the future will be water, food and energy, which are necessary for us to survive. Many countries are experiencing climate change issues such as drought, yet Ireland is suffering from a deluge of water and, by all accounts, the position will worsen. Despite the difficulties it presents, water is a fantastic resource and we do not pay sufficient attention to its value. Many businesspeople are talking about exporting water in tankers to Dubai and so on. I do not favour this, but I do acknowledge water is a valuable resource.

Agriculture is a crucial resource. Ireland does not concentrate enough on the potential of horticulture, particularly in the context of energy use. The combination of renewable energy resources and horticulture presents significant possibilities in the west. The west has the potential to meet 4% of the world's wind energy requirements, which is extraordinary.

The potential for jobs growth in the west is enormous. This year 15,422 new green jobs have been created in the State. This is the fastest growing sector and green jobs are an important part of the new economy and the Government's strategy. Significant stimulus packages were put in place for renewable energy projects and home heating and insulation schemes. Every house should have a high standard of insulation in the shortest time. The Government is hoping to properly insulate 1 million houses, which will reduce expenditure. Approximately €6 billion is spent on imported fossil fuels annually and we want to keep that money at home. I spoke to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources earlier and he confirmed that Ireland was meeting 15% of its energy requirements from renewable resources and that we hope to increase this percentage significantly in the coming years.

Despite the negative comments made about the provision of a stimulus, the Government proposes to spend 5% of national income, twice the international rate, or €40 billion in the next six years. A stimulus package is being put in place, but I agree with Fine Gael that we need to revive the community spirit of the past. I recently watched an interesting documentary. My father worked for the Sugar Company. During the Lemass era extraordinary community spirit was displayed to stimulate the economy by getting the sugar factories up and running and building Ardnacrusha dam. We need to regenerate the latent great Irish spirit. We can and will do so now.