Mr. Mark Foley:

I am glad the Deputy mentioned that because the primary issue concerning RESS 3 has two aspects, one being planning. There was a year in which no planning permission was granted for wind farms. Second, there is the inevitable pressure on price arising from the dysfunction that manifests in the markets. I can tell the committee with absolute certainty that the primary reasons are not to do with the ECP process and the issuing of connection offers. If the members want separate engagement so we can evidence that, we can have it. Planning is absolutely an issue. We are not perfect; we provide a period in which we promise and make commitments, and we deliver on those commitments. To be really clear, the reason wind farms are not being connected or winning options is not connected to the connection process.

I can evidence that if the Deputy so wishes. It is important to have the right discussions about the right issues and constraints in the system, rather than about issues that are somewhat peripheral. There are issues with the connection process but they are not the dominant issues in getting wind farms connected to the Irish power system.