Oireachtas report calls for nuclear power debate

The Oireachtas Committee on Natural Resources has called for a debate on the possible use of nuclear power in Ireland.

In a report published today, the committee says consideration of nuclear energy will be unavoidable as global oil supplies begin to dwindle.

The committee says Ireland must have a national debate on the issue as part of moves to reduce its reliance on increasingly expensive fossil fuels.

Elsewhere, today's report also says Ireland should set a target of generating 50% of electricity from wind and wave power by 2050, while excise duties should also be removed to promote greater use of bio-fuels.

Other suggestions put forward in the document include different levels of motor and registration tax to encourage greater use of energy-efficient vehicles.