Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Owens. I might ask a few quick questions. I hope our guests can be succinct in their answers. My first question is for Mr. Owens and relates to the EU taxonomy. While it is not decided yet, the European Council and the European Parliament need to make their decision. The concern in this committee is that labelling nuclear and gas as green energy in Europe could send a signal that stifles development by diverting attention, opportunity and investment away from Ireland. We would think there is now an opportunity, especially considering the current security and energy crises, to seek to decarbonise the energy systems in Europe as quickly as possible. Ireland is well placed in that regard and the concern is that the taxonomy might pull against that opportunity.

I have a question for Mr. McCabe from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage relating to MARA and An Bord Pleanála. A guest who was before the committee prior to this session said that a concern for the industry is that both of those institutions may not have the necessary human resources to deal with the number of applications and the level of opportunity that exists. Are we confident that the resourcing plan is sufficient to realise as quickly as possible the opportunity that is there?

Does Mr. Owens want to take the first question?