Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan. I commend my colleagues in the Independent Group for tabling this motion. All debate on this matter has to be good. I also commend them on their tenor and tone and the constructive way they are approaching this debate. They are bringing it into the heart of the democratic system and they have every right to be heard. It is a good day for the journey as we strive towards energy security and independence to have these debates and to highlight issues. We do not have to agree, and this is one on which I do not agree with them. However, they are clearly setting out on their journey with this motion in a genuine way, with their preparation done and with every best intent. Nobody has a monopoly on the truth of what is the best journey, but my humble opinion is that their route is not the best one. There are other alternative options, which I will outline, to the route they are putting forward with affirmation in tabling this motion. These time slots for Private Members' motions are precious so I commend them on prioritising their concern for energy security and the other related matters. They have given up their time on this and they should be commended on that.

With regard to the way they would like people to travel, there is a less dangerous way of getting there. I am thinking of both the disposal at the end, the decommissioning stage, and also of the war in Ukraine where Chernobyl came back into the picture. The way I propose to travel is not open to the cataclysmic atrocities which could visit us. I also believe, with the utmost respect, that their journey is extravagant. There is a more efficient way of arriving at the destination we all would like to reach. It is extravagant in both the expense of the construction, which would take a long time, and in the expense of the disposal and the decommissioning. The scale for Ireland does not represent good value, leaving aside other issues, for where the Senators wish to travel. Yes, if one wishes to travel from Ballina to Castlebar, one could do it theoretically on a Boeing 747. There are some advantages. It is faster and, in many respects, it is reliable. I say Ballina to Castlebar tongue in cheek and I am not suggesting we bring back-----