Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a few questions for the witnesses. I am quite shocked to hear this morning that we may expect this to last for another year. The public will be very disappointed to hear that this crisis is going to last that length of time and possibly even longer. I have a number of questions. My first question is for Mr. O'Donoghue. Many European countries such as France rely on nuclear power as their main source of energy. Could Mr. O'Donoghue give a brief overview of the role that he sees nuclear power playing in Europe's energy policy, both in the medium and long terms? Does he think more countries are likely to become reliant on nuclear power due to the war in Ukraine?

The cost of gas is increasing, largely due to the war in Ukraine. In addition to being one of the biggest exporters of gas, Russia is also one of the world's biggest exporters of uranium. Uranium prices are likely to go up in the same way that gas has. I would like Mr. O'Donoghue's view on that.

Ireland is investing heavily in wind energy. Our Government, under the Green Party, is hoping that wind can become our main source of energy. Could Mr. O'Donoghue comment on this energy policy? I visited Derrybrien wind farm last week with a number of my Independent colleagues, including Senator McDowell. Could Mr. O'Donoghue discuss his views on the decommissioning of Derrybrien wind farm, which is responsible for approximately 1% of Ireland's wind energy, during this energy crisis? There are 70 turbines there. They would provide energy for up to around 50,000 homes at this time. At a time when our Minister for energy is telling us all to have five-minute showers, it makes a mockery of the proposed green energy future to have 70 turbines in Derrybrien not turning. I would like Mr. O'Donoghue's views on that.

Ireland is investing heavily in wind energy. Our Government, under the Green Party, is hoping that wind can become our main source of energy. Could Mr. O'Donoghue please comment on this energy policy? I visited Derrybrien wind farm last week with a number of my Independent colleagues, including Senator Michael McDowell. Could Mr. O'Donoghue discuss his views on the decommissioning of Derry farm which is responsible for maybe 1% of Ireland's wind energy during this energy crisis? There are 70 turbines there. T hey would provide energy for up to around 50,000 homes at this time, at a time when our Minister for energy is telling us all to have five-minute showers and we have 70 turbines in Derrybrien not turning it just makes a mockery of the green energy future we are proposing to have. I would like Mr. O'Donoghue's views on that.

I believe Dr. Deane is a supporter of small fission nuclear reactors. I think he spoke about that on Newstalk in June 2021. Does he think there is a future and a place for a small fission nuclear reactor in Ireland? I know the Energy Regulation Act 1999 would need to be amended. As legislators, we have to look at the challenges that must be overcome if we are to adapt to nuclear power. Maybe that is something Dr. Deane could speak to as well. What are the challenges we would face as politicians? How practical does Dr. Deane think it is for Ireland to rely on wind as its main source of renewable energy? Would it be more or less practical, in his view, to build nuclear power stations or import nuclear power from abroad? We are already importing some from the UK and from France at this moment in time. I would also like Dr. Deane's views on the Derrybrien wind farm situation.