Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

While I believe Senator MacSharry could also have a role to play, I welcome Senator Barrett's nomination.
I was not aware that electricity in Ireland is 34% more expensive than in the UK. Of the 28 countries in Europe, Ireland is the fourth most expensive for electricity. Competing into the future is not going to be easy for Ireland. I understand that in her speech today the Queen will announce Britain's intention to introduce fracking. I know that fracking is not popular with Members, particularly those from the west of Ireland. However, we should not turn our backs on anything that can provide us with the energy we require in the future. There is a very interesting article in a recent issue of National Geographicin regard to fracking in North Dakota, which should be compulsory reading for everybody because it gives both sides to the fracking argument. There is little doubt that if we do not do something about our energy provision into the future and to address the fact that electricity in Ireland is 34% more expensive than in Britain and that we are the fourth most expensive country in Europe in this regard, we will not be able to compete. We must do something about this. I believe the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, should ensure that whatever needs to be done is done.