Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for all their work and for attending the meeting today. I have a number of questions but I may ask some of them in later rounds. I want to focus on the issue of the models. First, I would like to know about the information gaps, the data sets and the input variables. What gaps were there when the witnesses started their work and what gaps or weaknesses in information remain? I have a similar question about the models themselves. This is pioneering work and we are all very grateful for it. It is hugely important because what comes out the back end of it has a real significance and impact on policy and people's lives. I ask the witnesses for some critical reflection on the models we are using. There are three, as I understand it, as well as various submissions from other parties. What are the strengths of the models and what are their limitations or weaknesses? Those might relate specifically to the models or the information going into them. I also have a question about the future. Do the witnesses envisage that we will end up with a unified model, or will we continue with the focus on energy, agriculture and land use?