Mr. Mark Foley:

On the Deputy’s first comment on the timelines, I can say with absolute conviction that we have detailed programmes, but the issue of publishing them is another matter. We have some work to do in making that public domain. We are very focused on those projects and on delivery. Please do not equate us not publishing it until later in the year with the idea we do not have our foot on the gas; we have. It is a huge step. No other State authority of which I am aware has done this before. We are committed to transparency and we are committed to putting it all together. It needs to be perfect, and we will honour that commitment.

The Deputy’s second question was about offshore and whether we have adequate resources. Yes, we have. We will start this process later in the year. We have substantially increased our offshore capability since the Government made the announcement in May of last year to make EirGrid the offshore transmission operator planner and owner. We will be in good shape to launch that process later in the year.

We are in very significant engagement with the operators on the Irish Sea. I am surprised and a little disappointed to hear some people suggesting to the Deputy there is inadequacy in that engagement. We are committed to getting those projects over the line.