Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

There have been many major achievements in that context and we would not want to throw out and whitewash all that we achieved for short-term political gain. We acknowledge the difficulties, but at the same time many opportunities exist because of our competitiveness. I accept that some of the competitiveness is painful because when we speak about labour unit costs we mean salary and wage reductions. That is slightly pernicious and has an impact on individuals' lives. However, it is an area in which we are beginning to follow the kilter in the context of our competitors.

The area of energy is also being addressed through clean and green energies and we must put more emphasis on this. This is another commitment made by the Government in recent times, particularly on promoting the green agenda, which is of huge significance. This is not only because of the present hue of the Government; it is of huge economic importance as well as being important for the sustainability of the environment. It is about ensuring we are not dependant of fossil fuels and that we diversify and find a competitive economy based on sustainability in many of its facets.

I thank Senators for the opportunity to speak on this issue. The Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, sends his apologies but due to the change in the timetable he was unable to make it.