Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I could not speak before as I was not in the Leinster House precinct, but I am now. I have been really interested in the discussion. Others have spoken about the issue around electric bikes and that part of the electric vehicle picture, which intersects with that reallocation of road use and potentially, public transport, if we look at the links between bicycle cycling and public transport as a feeder. If the witnesses have any last comments on electric bikes, that would be really useful. In the limited time we have left, I hope the witnesses will comment on batteries. These are the ethical and environmental issues around the minerals, including nickel, lithium and cobalt. This is a core area. In terms of electric vehicles and the scaling up, ensuring we do not have environmentally devastating approaches to extraction of the minerals required. I know there is work and movement on our ethical alternatives and practices. How do we ensure the minerals used in our electric vehicles and batteries are environmentally and ethically sound? Can the witnesses comment on what is happening in that area?