Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have learned as well that wind energy companies are planning to lay more than 200 km of high-voltage electricity cables underground across five midland counties. Does that not undermine the Government's previous insistence that burying power lines is not feasible?

Would it not be ironic if lines were to be put underground to satisfy the requirements of other metal structures, namely turbines, rather than to save our natural amenity, tourism, the quality of rural community life and the value of the land of rural dwellers? We are not going to learn anything new. I mean no disrespect to the commission in saying the Government will not learn anything it does not already know. Any difference in cost associated with putting the lines underground would be more than offset by the moneys saved by not damaging tourism, our amenities and land prices.

Let me raise the disturbing news that the Central Bank has ordered over 200 credit unions to cut lending. The latest reports suggest that thousands of credit union members are being refused loans because half of the credit unions are under orders to limit lending. I have heard disturbing reports that older people are being refused loans for cars and parents are being refused short-term loans to defray family costs. Some are being denied loans to cover funeral costs because of the lending limits. This undermines the entire basis of the community credit system. I am sure bank managers are delighted the Central Bank is using such a blunt instrument to restrict lending. I agree with the Irish League of Credit Unions in questioning the criteria being applied when a credit union is told to limit lending. It is a blunt instrument and it is not in the best interest of the community and those most in need of the great service the credit union system has been providing over the years. I would be grateful if the Leader could invite the Minister for Finance to the House to debate this.