Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As somebody who organised a renewable energy conference in Dublin Castle during the year, I know there has been a lot of negative comment. Notwithstanding the soundbites on the Order of Business in the Seanad, I do not believe it is an appropriate place to discuss this but it is an appropriate place to raise issues, such as conflicts of interest. I was at the environment committee yesterday from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. to hear from three different companies. A question was asked about conflicts of interest and the three companies all said there were none. Bord na Móna was present although Sustainable Energy Ireland was not. I believe questions raised in that manner must be answered. I call on Sustainable Energy Ireland to come out today and say if there is a conflict of interest, or even a perceived conflict of interest.

We should have another debate on wind energy in the Chamber, although that is not what I wish to speak about.

As a spokesperson on the environment, it is incumbent on me to state that there are both positive and negative aspects to wind energy. We always tend to hear about the negatives but the positives must also be aired.