Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We support the proposal put forward by the Minister of State. It makes sense that we should seek to learn from the experience and research of other nations as they develop renewable energy systems. We must keep a careful watch, however, to ensure IRENA does not change from an information-sharing body into one which would seek to be a decision-making entity in terms of determining which nations must undertake which aspect of renewable energy. Autonomy in that regard must be left to individual nations. It is a pity the headquarters of the agency are not in Ireland, given the potential we have for a rich mix of renewable energy projects.