Dr. Paul McGowan:

I will clarify the position. If that is what the Deputy has taken from it, that is not what I meant. I will separate two things. First, if one takes the example of the transformation that is required in the energy system, of course we have a substantial role to play in respect of the achievement of targets for renewables on the system, the introduction of renewable gas or any of those matters. We obviously have a key role to play as a utility regulator in that regard. Through the price controls we make very substantial amounts of money available, from the analysis we carry out, for the utility companies to deliver those environmental obligations.

With regard to the particular topic of the cable leaks that we are discussing, I am talking about a narrower focus there in terms of ESB Networks' obligations under environmental compliance legislation in respect of its discharges to the environment. It is important to separate those two. Of course, we have a key role to play in the delivery of the clean energy package and the climate action plan.