Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Okay. At this point I will not. To respond to the Minister of State's comments, I accept at the outset that the intent of this Bill is about dissolving Ervia.

The intent of the Department and the Minister at the outset was not to do wholesale revision of the Gas Acts. Having said that, I am hearing from the Minister of State that we need to wind down the use of gas in this country. That would be consistent with the objective of net zero. In that regard, it is reassuring to hear from the Minister of State that Gas Networks Ireland is a relevant body under the climate Act. I suggest it does not act as a relevant body in the sense that its current strategy document sets out increased use of gas, which is concerning. It is reassuring that the Minister of State has clarified the alignment of gas legislation and Gas Networks Ireland with the important climate Act we passed two years ago.

I agree with the Minister of State that in the context of the European Union publishing the gas package, which we hope will happen in the next few weeks, it might be premature to do these revisions at this point. However, it would be good to hear a commitment from the Minister of State that the sentiments expressed through the amendments brought forward by me and Deputy O'Rourke are critically important and should be taken seriously by the Minister and Department. We need to reduce our use of fossil fuels and that includes reducing gas in this country in the coming years and decades. There needs to be an orderly wind-down of gas as we go through to 2050.

The issue raised by the Climate Change Advisory Council is serious. It has been well publicised and highlighted in this committee and across the media. It needs to be addressed. The intent of my amendment No. 13 was to address the issue accordingly. I accept, however, that the Minister of State needs to look at the issue. I welcome his commitment to come back on Report Stage. It is not something we can put on the long finger. There is an issue there with respect to connection. Gas Networks Ireland has been obliged to connect large energy users to the gas network. I welcome the Minister of State's comments that he will come back on Report Stage in that regard.