Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I compliment Ms O'Neill on her presentation and wish her well into the future. From listening to her and reading her documentation, she appears to have a very broad vision. Will she state what inhibitions or prohibitions she sees down the road in realising her aims and aspirations in the role she is taking on? Does she believe the role of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is very restricted in its present format? What are her thoughts on achieving the targets on decarbonisation coming in to 2020, for instance or, out further to 2050, on climate change, in which she has a special interest at both national and global levels?

There is the issue of the elimination of fossil fuels for this country and the general transition to clean renewable energies. Another issue is our security and national reserves of fuel. In Ms O'Neill's view, how secure are we really? Occasionally the interconnection with Scotland with regard to gas importation to this country, for instance, can be uncertain. What is Ms O'Neill's opinion on the delay in the construction of the gas plant by Shannon LNG in Tarbert, County Kerry? There has been a serious delay there for some time. It has been involved in legal aspects for a couple of years. Would she have a part in resolving that matter with the relevant Minister?

There are some new techniques and materials, for instance a new heat retention brick. I presume Ms O'Neill has heard of it. It is a new concept or a new material. It is a quarried material. I do not know if it is available in this country as of yet but it appears to be fairly good in terms of sustainability and retention of heat.

Is there enough being done by the Government in terms of energy conservation in facilities and buildings of government bodies at full State level and local government level? My county of Kerry has a conservation officer who has been doing outstanding work for a long number of years. It is harnessing energy at its water sources to supply public water.

A changeover has been undertaken in some counties in respect of low-wattage public lighting and the associated areas. Will Ms O'Neill offer her views on those aspects?