Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbite, to the House in the autumn to discuss energy policy. The Government produced a policy document on infrastructure yesterday, to which Senator Byrne referred. We also had the recent announcement from Element Power that it will go ahead with the development of 40 wind farms in the midlands, generally, to serve the UK market as it struggles to reach its commitment to renewable energy. We had an announcement last week from Eddie O'Connor, of Mainstream Renewable Energy, on its proposed 5,000 megawatt investment. The National Competitiveness Council produced a report yesterday which highlighted the fact that Ireland' share of energy derived from renewable resources is approximately one third of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, average and that we are one of the most oil-dependent countries in the OECD. Thrown into that mix we have natural gas and the Corrib line which is expected to come onshore and supply our gas needs for the next 20 years or so. We must have a debate on energy, particularly on wind energy, including the cost to the Exchequer in supporting its development and whether it is economically viable or recommended. There are many questions to be answered regarding energy and we must hear the Minister's views on these matters as we move forward. Energy policy is very important from a competitiveness point of view and that must inform the debate.