John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Last night I watched "Prime Time" which explored the issue of wind energy and wind farm development, an issue in which I am deeply interested and which has been raised ad nauseam in this House by myself and Senator Whelan. Those Senators who watched that programme will have only seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of how wind farm developments affect people's lives. I was disappointed with that part of the programme last night.

I was also disappointed with the representatives of the Irish Wind Energy Association and Irish Farmers Association who were on the programme. They appeared to be laughing all the way to the bank in terms of the spin they are putting on this issue as regards job creation. This is big business. The wind energy sector is not concerned with how it affects people's lives. These people were not, unfortunately, challenged last night. I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to this House so that we can further discuss this issue. It is outrageous that consideration is being given to the erection in the middle of this country of more turbines than there are in the United Kingdom as a whole. There is a need for debate on this issue in the House.