MINISTER FOR Energy Pat Rabbitte accused United Left Alliance TD Clare Daly of trying to slander an energy company involving former Labour Party members.

Ms Daly had asked the Minister about his plans to enable the State sector, including the ESB, to develop the offshore wind industry. She said she had attended a meeting in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, on Wednesday night at which farmers were asked for sites for wind turbines from Mainstream Renewable Power and other energy groups.

“What does the Minister have to say about this company, headed by former Labour party members Brendan Halligan and Eddie O’Connor, which stands to make substantial profits, potentially tens of billions of euro, from this resource?” she asked.

Mr Rabbitte said he trusted the Government would be able to make an agreement whereby the State retained a share of the renewable energy value or imposed some type of royalty.

He added: “It is somewhat unfair of the deputy to seek to slander the particular company she mentioned. She alleges there are people with Labour membership in their present and past and that they are trying to rip off the wind. Eddie O’Connor has a proud tradition in this country, whether as an engineer in the ESB, as chief executive of Bord na Móna, as the founder and creator of Airtricity and now as the founder of Mainstream Renewable Power.”

Mr Rabbitte said he had been involved in discussions for some time with his opposite number in Britain. The objective was to conclude a memorandum of understanding by the end of the year to facilitate export from this island to the neighbouring island.

“Theoretically, it could be a win-win situation if we can generate excess renewable energy in this island and if the neighbouring island has a need for energy and a requirement to meet renewable energy targets,” he added.