Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for the amenable manner in which he dealt with strong and cogent arguments from all sides of the House. It is a hallmark of the way the Minister works and enhances both the debate and the legislation. He takes on board arguments from all sides that improve the legislation.

The motivation for this legislation is to ensure we develop indigenous industry. This offers the potential for jobs, not just in production but in service. Often where enabling provisions are allowed in legislation the lead-in times before the necessary regulations can be made are lengthy. I appreciate in this instance that a certain process must be followed with the European Union but as soon as this is complete I ask that the Minister introduce the regulations at an early stage so we can tap into the interest which appears to exist at present. Much work remains to be done by promoters and interested parties before their proposed projects come to fruition but we should facilitate their efforts in every way we can, including by the early introduction of regulations.