Mr. Kieran Donoghue:

Senator Grace O'Sullivan observed that Microsoft sought to move to a 100% renewables model and referred to IDA Ireland's lack of support for this. It is important to put on the record that IDA Ireland actively encourages and supports all of its clients to act in an environmentally sustainable way. As members will know, the vast majority of the companies involved come from very mature and well-developed economies with high environmental sensibilities. They bring with them into our economy those sensibilities, an environmental awareness and a desire to embrace best practice in terms of sustainability. Globally, Microsoft moved to a 100% renewables energy model in 2014 so it is already there. Recently, Microsoft entered into a power purchase agreement in Ireland with a wind farm constructed by General Electric in County Kerry. That is another practical example of what our clients are doing in this jurisdiction in order to act in an environmentally sustainable manner.