Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have spoken about the tariff. I think we are a little bit away. We need to reconcile many issues relating to the tariffs and the feed-in. To what extent should we be intensifying our efforts to ensure public buildings are feeding into the grid, even if there is no financial benefit, while increasing the supply within the grid in terms of renewable energy?

When I read the initial presentation, I was a little concerned that there was some negativity about planning. Therefore, I was glad to hear an acknowledgement that a robust planning framework is important. I would like all the members of the panel to give a short reply to this question. To what extent would they recognise things like environment and social impact assessments as part of a robust planning network that allows us to avoid mistakes and ensure best practice is developing? I ask the witnesses to comment on that.