Mr. Brian O'Mahony:

There has been no changing of the goalposts. The guidelines specifically state that solar photovoltaic, PV, panels must be installed by the end of the year. The original intent in that respect was that the small-scale generation scheme would be deployed. There is not going to be an overlap between the two schemes and there is going to be a gap. The Department is considering that at the moment and updating the guidelines.

From the perspective of the industry, the second point relates to planning. The planning guidelines were changed last week to allow for more rapid installation. We have approximately 10 MW of solar PV supported through the communities energy grant scheme. We are aware of another 10 MW that we are assessing at the moment. We expect to provide offers and support in that respect. It returns to the previous point. The solar PV sector is important in Ireland now and we want to ensure it is a sustainable sector, going forward, and will be here for decades. When we talk to the companies working in the sector, they have the same perspective and view as us. Some of the earliest companies were here before the start of the schemes and are going to be here after the schemes are given direct government support. It is important that the supports we give to the sector are clearly signalled and those in the sector know when they are going to end and what the supports are.