Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This amendment relates directly to the function and mandate of Gas Networks Ireland. While I thank the Deputy for submitting it, as mentioned previously this is a technical Bill that provides only for integration of Ervia into Gas Networks Ireland. It does not consider any new role or additional functions or mandate for Gas Networks Ireland. The implementation of the European directive on common rules for the internal markets in renewable and natural gases and in hydrogen is a more appropriate legislative vehicle for consideration of the decarbonisation of the gas grid and of Gas Network Ireland's role, functions and mandate as provided for in the Gas Act of 1976, as amended.

As mentioned previously, Gas Networks Ireland is a relevant body under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and is still obliged to perform its functions in line with that legislation. As a result, I am not going to accept the amendment as the implementation of the aforementioned European directive is a more appropriate legislative vehicle for consideration of additional functions for Gas Networks Ireland and for reconsideration of its role.