Ownership rather than independence is the issue in terms of operating the system. I would like to press that, but not here. The concept of smart metering is gaining considerable support internationally as a way for householders to gain greater control over their electricity consumption and as a means of feeding back into the grid domestically generated electricity, be it from a farm, photovoltaic cells, biomass or wind turbines. We do not have that facility.

It is ironic that the New Economics Foundation in the UK says microgeneration could save that country £35 million per year and that it is cheaper and faster to bring about than solar generation in terms of the energy effect, while, at the same time, there are reports that the ESB is interested in considering joining forces with a nuclear power producer to import French nuclear energy. Is it not time for the Taoiseach to put his foot down? If he is serious about being anti-nuclear, he should at least let the Irish producer sell into the grid before the French nuclear producer. There must be a priority in this area. Is the Taoiseach serious about turning this country round and giving it the energy supply it needs from green, clean, renewable sources or will he continue to pander to the French nuclear industry through the ESB?

It might help if the Green Party did not oppose windmills.

That never happened.

They are à la carte greens.

I ask the Minister to allow the Taoiseach without interruption.

They are à la carte greens.

I have made our position clear about nuclear energy and it is well understood both in this country and outside it. We do not need to do anything to prove our position in that regard.

Tell that to the ESB.

We favour smart metering whereby domestic renewable energy can be fed back into the grid. We are examining it closely.

Soon.

Yes, we are looking closely at it.

The Government had ten years.

This is the Green Party again. It never——

There are cost issues for the people but you are not worried about those.

It ignores what we are doing on wind energy——

It will cost less than buying out the toll road.

The Green Party wants us to pursue wind energy. Wind energy has gone up by 600%, and now the party is against wind energy.

We are for it. Can the Taoiseach not read?

The Green Party is for it.

There is more hot air on that side of the House.

I was asked a question on smart metering and I confirmed that we are in favour of it. We have established targets for wind renewables and we will exceed our EU target by 2010. Many of the Green Party's supporters believe that what we are doing in that area is enormously important. We are being seen to lead the way in this, and I do not doubt that the party will continue to support our efforts in implementing it, as well as our efforts in the climate change strategy and in the Green Paper. Furthermore——

Is the Taoiseach pleased with himself?

——when the party goes to communities that are against these things, I am sure its members will have the brazen attitude to stand up and say they have a consistent policy.

As long as they do not give support to big business.

That nearly merits a kiss.

At least we are supporting big business.