Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

A number of commentators in this general area have spoken about the risk to the gas connections, the need for diversification, the implications of the war in Ukraine, the imminent threat of blackouts, and we have touched on a number of these to dispel the confusion that has been inserted into this debate. My own concern, and we have dealt with it there, is this State's ability to manage demand. It has shown very little ability. Both Professor McMullin and the previous contributor have raised the importance of that and dealt with it well. The other element is the ability to deliver renewables at pace and scale. Obviously, this is a very important factor in terms of considering the risks and in ensuring the lights are kept on into the future. Does Professor McMullin have any reflections on that and on the importance of having targets and an offshore auction? He will be aware that there are concerns about planning. This is literally breaking new ground in every way. Will he speak to the importance of that energy transition and building energy infrastructure on a scale we have never done before? Some of our difficulty is in delivering energy infrastructure such as gas power plants. Will he speak to that piece?

In reflecting on the energy security review, does Professor McMullin accept the need for gas storage? Does he think there is a case for not needing it or that we could find an alternative, bearing in mind that it is probably going to be five or eight years before we have a suitable facility in place, or does he accept that we need it and it is a question of what form it will take?