Madam, - The decision of the chairman of the Dáil Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources not to proceed with the planned public hearings on nuclear energy between now and the general election was described as "a terrible, terrible mistake" by committee member Fiona O'Malley TD ( The Irish Times, January 10th).
Many people may think this remark was a bit over the top.
If so, they should study your excellent coverage of the European Commission's energy report (January 11th) which emphasises the importance of nuclear energy in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and thereby halting global warming.
Should there still be doubts, they should turn to Prof William Reville's article on global warming in the same edition, which stresses the need for action.
Although not the complete answer to global warming, nuclear energy is one of the essential tools for restraining it. Ms O'Malley is absolutely right: this issue should be debated without delay. It is not only most important, also most urgent. - Yours, etc,
FRANK TURVEY,
Church Road,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.