Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This was my only question but I wish to comment on the matter.

This vindicates the actions of the whistleblower and "RTÉ Investigates" for bringing such important information to the fore, which now allows the EPA to do its work. We have had difficulties with the ESB in the past regarding the way in which the whistleblower was being treated. I know this is a HR issue and I do not want to get into it but the EPA recognises the importance from an environmental perspective of the information provided by the whistleblower. If the committee were to send any message, it should be recognition of the important role the whistleblower has played in bringing this important matter to the fore. In his written submission, Dr. Ryan stated SF6 as a greenhouse gas has a global warming potential of 23,000 times that of CO2. This is pretty stark when we look at it in these terms. He went on to say that it represented 0.02% of Ireland's total national greenhouse gas emissions over that period. This is striking, as is that ESB Networks did not maintain an appropriate inventory or appropriate controls over a gas that is so harmful to the environment. We have come to believe over time, and rightly so because of the personnel in ESB Networks, the quality of what they do and the brand recognition of the company, that by and large it is a very good company that is very well run but at a time like this when we see significant failings it is important that it is documented and appropriate action is taken. I am sure it will help the company to comply better in future. I thank the witnesses for their work.