Mr. Ken Spratt:

The Senator asked two other very important questions on the non-achievement of renewables targets. We are behind and have much catching up to do. Before turning to Mr. Carroll who will address the issue of how we catch up, the Senator asked about the costs associated with non-achievement. We understand from the SEAI that the costs will be significant if the targets are not reached; these relate to non-compliance and emissions permit purchases. The SEAI has estimated that the figure could amount to between €100 million and €150 million per annum for each percentage point. These are very significant costs and we are seized of the potential cost that would come with this. I will turn to Mr. Carroll to let the committee know what we are doing to ensure we can catch up.