Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I share the concerns that many Senators have raised today, but the most important for question for debate was raised by Senator Quinn. He was very responsible. Many in this country are fearful and he is talking about having a proper debate on the way forward for this country, and that is the correct approach to take right now. He pointed out that in Denmark there are 23,000 employed in the wind energy sector and he correctly pointed out the potential of this country to bring in significant amounts of revenue and provide a considerable number of jobs.

I am aware of various ongoing initiatives in the wind energy sector that could provide up to 20,000 new jobs for this country. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, is well aware of significant ongoing efforts. Roughly 15 MW of wind energy either has been constructed or is the subject of a planning application and, as I have stated previously, the key point is that Ireland's peak electricity requirement is 6 MW. That clearly points the way, that there is considerable room for revenue from the export of wind energy. There is magnificent potential.

As Senator Boyle correctly stated, it is important to recognise that the Government has made considerable inroads on wind energy in particular in that we have more than doubled the average amount of renewable energy used every day of the week. There were three occasions where more than half of the electricity used in this country has come from renewable energy. That is a massive achievement. There has also been a considerable programme of helping people cut down on their energy bills, for example, through the warmer homes scheme and the significant improvement through the home energy savings scheme.

The Government has done great work in terms of energy. Let us give credit where it is due, but let us also reach the potential that Senator Quinn is talking about because we can do it and it is the green light at the end of the tunnel.