asked the Minister for Energy the plans he has to increase the level of research undertaken in this country to provide alternative sources of power in order to reduce the level of air pollution.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Alternative Power Sources.
8.
The latest figures available show that in the period 1980-87, State expenditure in this area totalled almost £4 million. I have no immediate plans to increase the level of research undertaken in this country to provide alternative sources of power in order to reduce the level of air pollution.
In the short term alternative sources of energy in Ireland could only be expected to make a helpful but limited contribution to the solution of the air pollution problem.
The substitution of a significant use of natural gas for oil has already made a notable contribution to the resolution of this problem.
It is incomprehensible, at a time when Dublin is choking with pollution, that the level of research is decreasing. Would the Minister agree that the fossil fuel burning power stations are major contributors to the air pollution problem as well as to the acid rain problem, not only in this country but also in northern Europe? Would the Minister agree, too, that it is time we got down to carrying out some serious research, not just research which is of marginal benefit as he has already outlined in his previous reply?
The sources of the pollution have been clearly identified and extensive research is not required. What is required is that we seek to replace, wherever possible, the types of energy causing pollution. As I said in my reply, there is no harm in making reference to the great benefits we have derived from the use of natural gas, such as a substantial reduction in oil imports, the burning of which contributes to air pollution. I hope with continued exploration and given the possibility of constructing an interconnector with our neighbours and the creation of an internal energy market in the EC it will be possible for us to continue to make progress. Greater use of natural gas will help in eliminating the air pollution problem. I have already informed the House, in answer to an earlier question, that a special committee has been set up, chaired by a senior official in the Department of the Environment, to examine the smog problem in the Dublin region which has been referred to to see if natural gas can play a role in finding a solution to that problem. Therefore, much action is being taken on a number of fronts.
Would the Minister not agree that it is about time there was greater investment in natural gas and that Bord Gáis were encouraged to develop their programme even more? Would he further agree that we could eliminate the air pollution problem by constructing an interconnector with Britain or the European mainland and reducing the level of pollution caused by the fossil fuel burning power stations? Finally, would the Minister confirm or deny recent suggestions that his Department are, again, considering using nuclear energy as a possible power source?
I have always held Deputy Allen in some regard but when making that kind of throw-away remark he must know there are absolutely no proposals whatsoever to introduce nuclear energy. It is not just mischievous but highly irresponsible to make such a suggestion.
I did not suggest it.
It was highly irresponsible of the Deputy to repeat it.
Order, please. I have called Question No. 9.
The Deputy could not have been so badly informed that he did not know about it until I stood up here. Everybody else in the House knows it.
I have put down questions for written reply.
Do not sink too low now, Deputy.