Mr. John Finnegan:

Deputy Ó Cathasaigh asked a specific question about whether an interdepartmental committee for the islands had been set up. I am sorry to say that he does not have the right people in the room but we will check the matter and, similarly, with the question on the Department's engagement with the ten-year strategy for the islands. The Deputy's point is well made that there is a need to take into account the specific issues faced by islands in all decision-making and policymaking.

I thank the Deputy for the insights into the work that has been done on green hydrogen. As we are looking at developing this policy it is good to know that there is somebody looking, in practical terms, at how one might use hydrogen to fuel a ferry or use it to take spill-off electricity from a wind farm. We look forward to engaging with these projects that are already happening.

The Deputy made the general point, as has the Chairman, that the islands have a vision to be a test bed for energy transition. That is the challenge to us that we will take away. We will look at what extra needs to be done, or can be done, for them to take on that role as a test bed.

I wish to note, and this is an issue that was discussed yesterday, now that if someone has a grid offer from February, he or she has two years. I understand from colleagues and EirGrid that after the two years the offer will lapse but it can be revived and that they will look at the study again without any additional cost, if that is of any help in the situation.