Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While we are waiting for Deputy James O'Connor, I will ask some questions. I take Dr. O'Grady's point concerning people getting their money back. For average people, however, the initial capital outlay is number one. People who are well off can look at this equation over time. When ordinary people are buying cars, though, they are looking at how much of a trade-in value they will get for their present vehicle and at how much of a loan they will have to take out. I am not saying the running costs are entirely secondary, but they come behind.

I will start with the representatives of the ESB. On charging points, there is a general view among the public that there are not sufficient charging points in place. Where is it envisaged that this market will go in respect of there being charging points at different petrol stations, or I should say fuel or charging stations, as they will shortly be called? How does this situation stand now? How many charging points are in place? What are the challenges in this context? What is the situation regarding people being able to get the turbochargers that can recharge their EVs much faster? I would like to get the witnesses' perspective on these issues. I call Ms Ward.