Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Upton and Dr. Shalloo to the committee and thank them. This is an important area of discussion and consideration for the committee. Our focus this evening is on solar energy and the agriculture industry. We all know the main benefits of solar and agriculture which Dr. Upton pointed out. They are enhanced energy security, farm diversification and the income that is related to all of that. Furthermore, renewable electricity is clearly better for the environment. They are very simple messages. I think people are travelling on that journey at a much quicker rate and pace than ever before. Perhaps Ukraine, energy costs and all these other issues have fed into the urgency to move fast to find sustainable and alternative solutions.

I had a look at the Teagasc strategy statement for 2021 to 2024, titled Teagasc Together - Harnessing the Power of Research, Advisory and Education Services to Create a Sustainable Food System. I was very conscious of the organisation's remit in research, advisory and education services. I have some questions which I will put separately. Where are additional supports, education and training needed? Many people want to engage with this technology but there are clearly huge upfront costs. In terms of Teagasc's remit of research, advice and education, where is there a real need for its services to push this game on?