John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have returned to it immediately. Speaking of noise, the entire debate on this issue has been characterised by a great deal of noise and very little light on both sides of the argument. In my own simple way, I wish to clarify the issue for myself and perhaps in so doing might also be of some help to other Members. One can ask three questions with regard to the entire project. The first is whether one agrees in the first instance that it is necessary to upgrade the grid. While I believe most people would, I have heard some public commentary from people who are adamantly opposed to upgrading the grid and who have stated publicly there is no need to so do. One of those people happens to be a candidate for Fianna Fáil in the European elections. Therefore, the disparity of views in this regard is evident even within parties, and sometimes the upgrading of the grid might not be necessarily the main point of contention for some parties. It may be that political and electoral advantage are more important for its members. However, if one agrees that the grid needs to be upgraded, then it should be done, and those who assert that no upgrade of the grid is required must give a response to a question. I refer to a scenario in which a major high-energy user of electricity decides to set up here in Ireland and wishes to provide 1,000 jobs in a region like the south east but then decides that because the one thing missing is a safe, secure and sustainable supply of electricity, it is unable to so do. What would the objectors tell the potential employees in the south east or somewhere else? What would they do or say? Would they wash their hands of it and state it is none of their business? Of course it is their business. That is the first question.

Second, if one agrees the grid is to be upgraded, one must ask in the course of so doing whether is it prudent and wise to add capacity to the grid that might cater for or accommodate new sources of energy that might be available. A moment ago Senator Barrett pointed to the idea of fracking in the United States, which has driven down oil prices internationally. I understand my colleague Senator Whelan supported fracking in the media last week, which would be alarming to his colleague, Senator Kelly, in the Roscommon-Leitrim area. It is a debate that could be held. I personally am not in favour of it and I do not believe the Labour Party is in favour of it.