Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to be associated with the words of congratulations to my colleague, Senator Seery Kearney, on the great work she has done which has brought happiness to so many people. I call for a debate on the wind industry, particularly small, domestic wind turbines. We have seen huge growth in the area of solar panels for rooftops for houses. We could have small, domestic wind turbines in use by thousands of households, farms and small businesses. So many people would take them up. I wonder in some cases if the solar panels are suitable for the Irish climate. For five to six months of the year, they are not that good, whereas we have an abundance of wind. This is an area the Government should have a look at. The House should have a serious debate on small, domestic wind turbines and their promotion when we come back in the new year.

I congratulate and compliment the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI. It carries out inspections and provides grants. The SEAI is one of the most efficient States agencies I have dealt with over many years. I have no doubt that if it were to get involved in this new area of domestic wind turbines, it would become a new industry in the State. I call for a debate in the new year on small, domestic wind turbines.