We were dealing with amendments Nos. 1, 43, 44, 45 and 46 together. I raised the question of the need for the new power stations and asked how long the peat might last. The Minister of State suggested 15 years but was unsure, and Deputy Stagg disputed that estimate. Perhaps he has now received full information and could clarify that.
I also mentioned the necessity to investigate the possibility of converting peat powered stations to timber powered stations in the not too distant future and we discussed the technology that exists in other countries. What are the Minister's views on that? The Minister suggested that taking the timber from forests here might be difficult. However, technology in Scandinavia makes it possible to cut trees into very small pieces, in other words chipped. It is then taken out using tractors and trailers to a nearby power point and could then be used for domestic heating systems as well as for power generation. There are all kinds of possibilities. The Minister made the point that in Ireland we have lots of forests that could not be used for commercial purposes, but they would be ideal for this purpose. Deputy Bruton was concerned about sustainability, and Deputy Sargent mentioned pollution. Converting peat – powered stations to timber would be an important compromise if it could be reached. It would also mean Bord na Móna could expand and develop in this area and give employment in Laois, Offaly and other places where there are forests and where other enterprises may not be flourishing. I would like to hear the Minister's views on that as it was so strongly debated earlier.
I will deal with amendments Nos. 44, 46 and 56 in more detail later. I realise the importance of putting the PSO in place. However, we must also bear in mind the importance of the environment and the difficulties we may face if we do not get our act together soon. We welcome this legislation and will support Sustainable Energy Ireland as much as possible when it is set up. I also ask the Minister to ensure resources by way of personnel and otherwise are made available in his Department to ensure this entire area, which is very important, gets the attention it deserves.
A conference is due to take place in early March in Austria on sustainable energy and I wonder whether Ireland will be represented at it. It is important that we have representation at conferences such as this so that we know what is happening and can learn from best practice in other countries.
I also raised the question of whether or not the consumer will have to pay more for electricity. I do not think that is the case. Perhaps the Minister would clarify that. The Minister alluded to it but there was no clear response.