Larry Butler (Independent)

I support the proposal made yesterday by Senator James Carroll for a reduction in VAT on energy-saving domestic and commercial development. At present, 6,500 people are employed in this sector. I would also like to see double glazed windows included in the proposal for upgrading houses. A total of 1 million houses need to be done and there is €10 billion for developing this. By reducing VAT and including double glazed windows we could increase our workforce by another 6,500 people. This is a huge amount of people to take off the unemployment register. We should do so in the budget.

I appeal to all Members to attend a meeting to be held on Wednesday, 10 November, with the Spirit of Ireland Group. Approximately €6 billion worth of oil and gas exports leave the country each year and we do not guarantee this. This company is now ready to introduce a new system and secure our hydro and wind energy systems, create many needed jobs and make us more competitive. This is the type of company which we want to support over the coming years. We need these developments to move away from our dependence on gas and oil.

We could also ensure that we are an energy exporting country.