asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is satisfied that our energy requirements depend on the availability of nuclear power in the years ahead.

I would refer the Deputy to Chapters 10, 11 and 12 of the Energy-Ireland discussion document on some Current Energy Problems and Options, published in July 1978, a copy of which was furnished to him.

I might add that the Government have not yet taken a decision to confirm, or otherwise, the decision taken in 1973 by the Government of which the Deputy was then a member, approving in principle of a nuclear project.

Is the Minister aware that the estimated figures for energy needs in the discussion document to which he referred have been questioned by some economists who have come to the conclusion that there are grave over-estimations in that document? Would the Minister accept that the need for an inquiry into the use of nuclear power is now more obvious? If there are over-estimates of our energy requirements, obviously that casts doubt on the necessity, as the Minister sees it, for having nuclear power installed to meet our energy requirements.

The Deputy is aware that this is a discussion document and, as such, will give rise to various calculations of energy or other needs. The matter of an inquiry is not related to the question before me.

If the estimates of our energy needs are incorrect, that puts a big question mark over the necessity for nuclear power suggested by the Department.

Obviously it is a separate question to ask whether the estimated energy requirements in the discusson document are correct.

Is the Minister standing over the energy requirements suggested in that document?

I am, yes.

8.