Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Yes. It is very relevant. It refers to the passage of a Bill through the House, in which I am sure the Cathaoirleach is interested. A question was put to me by Senator Kelly. The Labour Party and Fine Gael supported my Bill unanimously in a previous House. When I brought it back to the House both parties reneged on a commitment given. The Bill would have been of benefit to people. I am not finished with it and I will have to speak to the Taoiseach about the matter. He may be the only one who can rescue it.

The Bill which has been put forward today is admirably suitable and worthwhile. I am a realist and have been in government. Governments do not like Private Members' Bills or anyone taking the limelight for himself or herself. They like to bring forward their ideas and Bill. The Civil Service will go out of its way to make sure the Bill never sees the light of day. Fianna Fáil would support this Bill. Support might or might not be unanimous.

Wind energy is a very important industry but is currently subsidised and is not necessarily the most economic. However, it will be in the future given the rising cost of oil and so forth. The issue of distance from houses is very important as far as Sliabh Bán outside Strokestown and Dysart in south Roscommon are concerned. Residents in those areas are very concerned about the potential environmental damage to their lives and residences from wind turbines. It is a reasonable point of view and has to be considered. The point was made in other contributions.

No environmental impact study of turbines is required in the areas to which I referred but they should have to be taken into consideration. Those who benefit from turbines will make the point that they are of great benefit to the economy. Those who do not benefit would experience unexpected major disadvantages in their environments. No one would have expected the situation in Sliabh Bán to have arisen.

Roscommon County Council has dealt with this issue in great detail. Senator Whelan referred to power lines and telecommunications masts. There are TETRA masts located beside Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hussey. Senator Kelly is well aware of the family in which there are four young children.

This very large mast is just 30 m from the residence. Planning permission was refused by Roscommon County Council and then granted by An Bord Pleanála. The mast is far too close to the house and is a danger to health, particularly that of the children.

On the points made by Senator Whelan, we could, if we proceed to Committee Stage, draft some amendments to take into account both telecommunications and power distribution masts. I hope we have a debate on ShannonSide radio on this matter to discuss the issues involved. I congratulate Senator Whelan on bringing the Bill to the House. I hope we will have a good debate on the old question of wind energy and its control.