Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It referred to the challenge in politics of a situation whereby costs are seismic and threatening and pose such a challenge to all of us but are in the future. While the build-up to those terrible moments is incremental, the decisions that are needed to minimise that difficulty are significant with big costs in the here and now. The climate issue is the leading example of that. Therefore, how we talk about this issue is enormously important because if we do not talk about it in the right way, it will induce fatalism. A greener Ireland will be a healthier Ireland in which our homes and standards of living will be better. It will be an Ireland that is capable of having better jobs and a more sustainable standard of living.

I will take away the point the Senator made on renewable energy and the need for a demonstrator project, as he is probably more aware than I am on this matter. I believe the future framework for offshore wind is currently out for public consultation. As the Senator outlined, there is a goal as to where we wish to be by 2030 with the target at that point being approximately 5 GW of energy being generated.

I am happy to take away two points from the Senator's contribution. First, on resourcing, as I outlined to Deputy Farrell, big progress is being made around An Bord Pleanála but maybe MARA needs to be looked at. In its early days, it was set up in the same way, which the Senator may have been referring to. Second, the point made around a demonstrator project is a fair one as it can show what is possible and potentially kickstart the transition that will be needed offshore. If the Senator has any examples of a demonstrator project, it may be wise not to give them here, but I think it is a good point and I will take it away.