John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Two weeks ago I called for a debate on our wind energy policy and the Grid25 project in light of the ESB entering the fray. It has questioned the need for Grid25. When an organisation such as the ESB questions the need for Grid25, which is an expensive project, we need to have a debate. I read in The Sunday Business Postthat Eddie O'Connor's Mainstream Renewable Power is in financial trouble and has asked the State for a bailout to the tune of between €100 million and €200 million, something to which I certainly hope the State will not accede. It proves wind energy is not able to wash its own face and is a dead duck project. This is why I call on the Leader to bring about a debate in the next four weeks on both of these issues. I hope the Minister, Deputy Alex White, will come to the House to deal with them.