Mr. Noel Regan:

Obviously, there is a role for the public sector. I mentioned the SEAI. It has a research role. Looking at the legislation, there will be roles for others. We need competent authorities to set up and to regulate the market. Our Department will have to prepare a strategy and identify how that will develop. There is a significant need for investment and innovation in hydrogen. Currently, the scale of hydrogen production by renewable means is quite small, so fostering research and development and working with our agencies on that will probably be one of the key things we can do to instigate this market. Working with our European partners and fellow member states will be fundamental too, as will having a market and European access to that research and sharing. I think there will be both, as Deputy Cronin said. We need private investment, but Departments and Government agencies will have a key role.