Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for their contributions. I will bring in members in groups of three, so the witnesses might take note of the questions as Deputies and Senators ask them. The members may address a specific question to one group, and if the group wants to come in on that, it should indicate to me and I will let the group in after the three members have asked their questions.

My first question is addressed to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, on the consultation paper on ESB eCars proposal on the ownership of the electric vehicle charging assets. I know CER is still considering that but when will a decision be made as it would create more certainty for customers who currently have electric vehicles. I have heard anecdotally from those who have EVs that there are very few charging points in Galway and there is a concern about when the decision will be made and further investment will be made in vehicle charging assets.

I understand the average vehicle cost in Ireland is €28,500. Some 16 out of the 19 available EVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles are above that price point. Considering the concerns about the range and the charging capacity with regard to pure EV and the slow development of it, is the hybrid vehicle a better option in the short term if we are looking at meeting our targets?

I call Deputy Dooley who will be followed by Deputy Stanley. I ask the witnesses to bank the questions.