During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I support Senator Walsh’s call on the Leader to do everything possible to ensure the Construction Contracts Bill is squeezed into our work programme. While the Bill is not large, it has major implications. I am not aware of anyone who does not want it passed. I am concerned it may fall by the wayside...

 It was interesting to meet a man a couple of years ago who was in the wind energy business. He had stopped investing in Ireland and was now investing in Texas. He went to Texas looking for permission for his wind farm. He asked how long it would take to get permission for a number of windmills. He was told that he could come back on Wednesday and he would have permission. It took one week.

This week I read figures that relate to Senator Ó Brolcháin’s comments on administrative difficulties. Some 300 applications for wind farms have been made since 2007. Not one has been granted permission and no indication has been given on when the decision will be made.

This is a €17 billion investment that is being tied up with red tape. I cannot believe it. It seems outrageous when other countries can do it. That man decided he will invest in the US rather than in Ireland for that reason.