Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank all our witnesses for attending and the work they do. There is nothing in their opening statements with which I disagree. With regard to part of the challenge with what we all want to do to meet climate targets, I want to ask two questions. Mr. Minogue mentioned our need to be politically brave and climate brave, which I believe we have to be. Part of this involves an obligation on businesses to speak out. There can be a difficulty in some of our communities when we speak out in support of, say, renewable energy, both onshore and offshore. What more can members of the witnesses' organisations do to speak out? It can often be a lonely place because not all political voices support renewable energy. However, having the business community speaking loudly and setting down the exact implications if we do not address the challenge is important. I am putting the challenge specifically back to the witnesses.

Colleagues will know I frequently mention the Draghi report. We can be competitive and green but we must have the necessary digital infrastructure in Ireland to compete. That also has to be green. Could the witnesses chat about where they see a role in this regard?

Mr. Talbot mentioned nuclear energy. He will be aware that the private wires Bill will be coming before the Oireachtas soon. What are his hopes and aspirations in this regard?