Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their opening statements, which will form part of the report. When we talk about security of supply, cost is important. Having LNG terminals does not mean it is, therefore, an indigenous industry such as offshore renewable wind would be where we have control over the cost and the amount we have. In her opening statement, Ms Connolly went into some detail about the cost to the Irish State not just of the terminal but of the importation that would continue and said that we would have obligations to continue use in some respects. What are witnesses' views on that? It is not giving us the kind of security over our costs relating to energy that some feel it is. Apart from that, there is the cost to local communities. If we think about over-reliance on coal mining in Wales and the people of north Kerry having a new infrastructure that over time should be reducing, it is not the kind of employment people may want for their local communities.

I know a lot of the work with which Ms Connolly is involved concerns climate justice. We have obligations under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act around climate justice. I would like to hear if this is part of the consideration of what type of energy Ireland is using.

Mr. McEvilly spoke about solar panels. It is coming up to a year since our Bill relating to solar panel regulations was passed. Commitments were given by the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, around that. It seems as though there is a lack of emphasis on opening up solar for buildings such as schools and farms. From 1 July 2022, we will be able to sell our energy back to the grid. How important is it to get this done as soon as possible?