Mr. P.J. McCarthy:

We are engaging with the industry. Mr. Dennehy is here representing the industry. In our engagement with other large energy consumers, they recognise that the Exchequer cannot carry the burden of the cost of this. We recently submitted to the Department, and we are mandated to put together, an integrated business case that seeks to map where funding is required on a phased basis. It is what is required between now and 2030, and there are multiple options for funding. One is the carbon tax. For example, approximately €60 million in carbon tax is being collected from the gas consumer and the most recent budget provided for an increase of €6 per tonne in carbon tax. With large energy consumers we are looking at potentially socialising the cost through a gas public service obligation. It is another option where the industry is willing to participate. We are working through a number of different feasibility studies with KPMG around the business case for biomethane, looking at commercial structures and propositions in order to stimulate and enable the industry. There is some work in progress but on the question of funding, the biomethane industry will play its role. We need very clear policy from the Government to support it.