Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept everything that the Minister of State has said. I appreciate that he is not responsible for this matter. It is the responsibility of the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The draft guidelines are complete and are being examined by a group of consultants. It is quite outrageous that the taxpayer is having to pay for these consultants. It is a kick in the teeth for all the people who made submissions.

The Minister of State mentioned that the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is carrying out a cost-benefit analysis. The Department in question is flagging up our energy policy. It is responsible for ensuring this country meets the Kyoto Protocol requirements by 2020. It is flagging wind energy as a means of doing that. It is like asking a car manufacturer to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of the motor trade. It is completely crazy. It is not independent. I am aware of reports that have been produced by leading international experts on wind energy.

They are retired experts so they do not have any bone of contention or shares in any companies. I have read some of their reports and they conflict with this Government's view of wind energy. I think a more independent approach is required, which is why I raised the issue tonight.