Ryan backs 'grey book' plan in bid to go green
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THE Government needs to use the economic crisis to set out a "long-term vision for the country", similar to the plan of the 1950s, according to Energy Minister Eamon Ryan.
The minister wants to see Ireland become a leading renewable energy developer.
And he pointed to the economic development plan of the then Department of Finance secretary general TK Whitaker, in the late 1950s, as a blueprint to be followed.
'Economic Development', published in 1958 and known as 'the grey book', was a plan to revitalise the country and is widely regarded as a key turning point in the economic history of the country.
Mr Ryan believes a similar vision is now needed.
"We need to set out a long-term vision for the country. We now have that opportunity," he said.
"Let's turn the country into a renewable energy exporter."
The minister believes Ireland is best-placed to specialise in the renewable energy sector, and the economic crisis means policy changes that might have taken five years can now be done in one year.
"Everything is up for grabs," he said.
The minister believes the country was in a precarious position at the start of 2009.
"The first quarter of the year was very scary. Having pulled back from that precipice, the reality of the situation is not as precarious as it was," he said.
Mr Ryan insists he is not trying to become the de facto Enterprise Minister by focusing on job-creation plans.
"I think a lot of what we do helps the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. You work with people," he said.
The minister's department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources will be centrally involved in responding to the publication of the Moriarty Tribunal report in the New Year, as it was responsible for awarding the mobile phone license in the 1990s that is so central to the inquiry's recent investigations.
Judgment
The minister said he would not be rushing to judgment on the findings.
"The first thing you have to do is read it. To do justice to everyone, you have to sit down and read it. My first instinct is not to give an immediate response," he said.
But the minister said the report would have wide-ranging implications.
"There are going to be a lot of issues about how the public service operates," he said.
The Mahon Tribunal report, meanwhile, would give valuable lessons for planning and development and "how we get that right", Mr Ryan added.
"Let's first and foremost use them to see how the State works," he said.
- Fionnan Sheahan Political Editor
Irish Independent
