Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey is to make a recommendation to the Government shortly on the building of an electricity interconnector between Ireland and Britain, the Dáil was told.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that the Government had agreed in principle to building the interconnector. "This would link us to the UK grid and ultimately to the European grid."

Currently, he added, there was a North-South electricity interconnector, and there was agreement to the building of a second. "This is a very important component of the all-island energy framework to which both governments have jointly committed."

The Taoiseach was speaking during a series of statements on the recent European Council meeting in Brussels.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he agreed in principle with the Government's decision to build an interconnector between Ireland and Britain. "The relevant report should be made available to the Minister as a matter of urgency and followed through. Ireland is now 91 per cent dependent on imported energy, thereby making it one of the most vulnerable countries in the world."

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said that both the Taoiseach and himself had made clear their concerns regarding the security of energy supply.

"During my time as Minister with responsibility for energy, I said that one size does not fit all in regard to competition and the deregulation of the energy market within Europe. Inevitably, an island on the west side of Europe will struggle to have competition because of the size of the market."

He said he totally rejected what John Gormley of the Green Party had said about the Government's view on nuclear energy. "We are absolutely against nuclear energy." Mr Gormley interjected: "Prove me wrong." Mr Ahern said: "Despite what Deputy Gormley and his cohorts might try and say, I say it as it is in terms of the energy mix we have, which will exclude the nuclear option as long as this Government is in office."

Mr Gormley said nuclear power should be excluded from the infrastructure Bill. "It is as simple as that." Mr Ahern said: "I do not know what the deputy is prattling about. He is always prattling. Will he please excuse himself and have a bit of manners?"

Mr Gormley replied: "It is called the truth."