Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will not dwell on it but whether it is cost base, auction or bid, it is all the same in the impact it has on island communities. The island co-operatives are prepared to play under the current rules; the difficulty is getting the grid connection. It will be more expensive to do that from the offshore islands. Their ability to generate electricity and additional income is curtailed by their physical location. It is the responsibility in part of Our Rural Future and its island policy to try to level the playing pitch. As long as cost is a factor – it may not be the sole factor but, even with the micro projects, it will still be a factor – these communities will lose out. It will have to be looked at. Other members will come in on it.