Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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I see this as resolving the problem. Mr. Michael McCarthy has heard me say at a previous meeting of the committee in this room that we can use it to solve a problem, to create jobs and to generate power. That is the good news.

On solar, I have introduced a Bill that deals with planning permission for rooftop solar. The current planning permission at 12 sq. m is very restrictive in that it does not allow for installation of a standard panel. The following question is to Mr. Michael McCarthy and Mr. David Maguire. Should planning permission in respect of domestic dwellings be abolished or should the 12 sq. m be increased to 35 sq. m per domestic dwelling?

On connectivity, should we forget about trying to connect to the grid and focus on the use of the solar energy for self-consumption, such as charging an electric vehicle and so on? If the preferred option is to try to connect to the grid, what and where are the blockages in that regard? The many very large agricultural sheds that have been erected all across the countryside present us with a huge opportunity for energy generation via solar panels, particularly those that are west facing. Where are the blockages to doing this? For the owner of a shed, a house or GAA clubhouse who wants to install solar panels, what does the Government need to do right now to enable them to do it?