Mr. Jim Gannon:

I would make a quick point. It is important that we do not conflate microgeneration with large-scale generation, especially from a societal perspective. People experiencing small-scale generation that is their own will tie them in to that transition and they will understand that the need for a flat screen television, a tablet, and a phone, and an electric vehicle, demands wires. It demands generation. However, if we bring those two together, it would not be healthy for a microgeneration scheme. That ownership and that community or individual benefit are far more important.

It is different in that, through the new Part L of the building regulations, two thirds of new homes have these on their roofs anyway. This type of Bill, or this type of intervention, should it come through the renewable energy directive, RED, is a new mechanism to bring this to be or to increase volume but it is not a new technology. It is normal, and what we are changing is the equitable sharing of value from the technology. It is really important that this is just normal. Let us not treat it like an alien, new or strange technology where there is fear. This is already part of what we do. Let us just make sure that as we increase volume, there is an equitable transition. Conflating this with large-scale generation would cause more problems than not. Mr. Kenny has articulated quite clearly that the new RESS addresses community involvement quite well.