Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I call on the Leader to arrange a debate on the issue of wind energy and the construction of wind farms in the State. Senator Kelly raised this issue through a Private Members' Bill and it is unfortunate that the Government has not allowed it to progress to Committee Stage. We need a debate not only on set-back distances and construction planning, but also on the funding that is provided to wind-farm developers. There are many millions of euro of taxpayers' money, through levies on all ESB bills, going to developments all over the country, and taxpayers are unaware of where the money is going. We need to have a debate in this House and decide whether this is the right way to spend taxpayers' money.

Today will see the debate in the Dáil on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, a Bill which will affect the elderly and families, particularly single parents, very regressively. It is unfortunate that although many Members of Dáil Éireann criticised this House during the course of the recent referendum, that House is guillotining a Bill and only allowing eight hours for debate. TDs will be allowed only a minimal amount of time to debate this important Bill. It is my understanding that the Leader is allowing for substantial debate on the same piece of legislation in this House.

That would reflect the views of the people more accurately than what is reflected in Dáil Éireann concerning one of the most important pieces of legislation in the aftermath of the budget. I commend the Leader on that.