Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

With respect, the context was not that different in that we still had the climate goals and were in a climate crisis. In the public consultation, it was one of the issues that was raised strongly. Again, in 2021 two decisions were made. First, there was an option to have a moratorium on new connections until we had full safety but the decision was made to continue with new connections but with criteria attached. Two decisions were made on that. One was to not make renewable energy a criteria and the other was to not make it an obligation to reduce demand. There was a reference to the ability to step down energy demand rather than an obligation to do so. We have lost two years from the very narrow period of time we have to achieve our climate targets. Are both of those issues going to be addressed very promptly now? How many connections have we lost in the meantime? How much lock-in have we got in terms of gas in the meantime?