Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Keane. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, to address the House on these issues in his erudite way with which we are all familiar. However, some economic concerns have been expressed by the National Competitiveness Council and the Irish Academy of Engineering, and Senator Clune stated that this is an expensive form of energy. Currently, it is subsidised on one's electricity bills from other sources. We need to discuss the economic aspects of it and also the environmental aspects as expressed by Senator Kelly; I refer to No. 11 on the Order Paper. We need to know the full implications of the memorandum of understanding lest Ireland ends up paying more for its electricity and having the type of environmental costs about which Senator Keane expressed fears.

I avail of the opportunity to thank the Leader for his exquisite sense of timing in having a debate on the future of the European Union after the Order of Business. I look forward to further deliberations from the Leader, our MEP and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This is a very appropriate time to have that debate.