Mr. Mark Foley:

We have two risks that relate to two different potential scenarios. The first risk is very real and present. We cannot seem to get new gas generation from the capacity market. I think the answers are pretty straightforward but we need the CRU to deliver on that. That will relieve this sort of, call it crisis, around generation capacity, which we have mitigated through the temporary emergency generation and keeping Moneypoint open. That needs to be fixed whatever happens because it threatens our reputation as a country. It also threatens the energy transition if we cannot backstop renewables. There is a risk that the new renewables coming on the system will happen more slowly than we would like. Much of that is to do with challenges in the planning system. Offshore is untested and a recent statistic I heard about onshore and the number of projects gone into judicial review was somewhat alarming.

On the other side – this might sound quite contradictory – if we can get the renewables, we need the demand. There is a business case. We need this thing to go in harmony. If, for example, we were to get no further demand, none of those renewable projects would have a business case that works. Therefore, it is important we have a conversation. That is why Shaping our Electricity Future is important - it gives a picture of a joined-up future. If one of those elements falls over, that is, if no demand happens or no renewables happen, we go out of sync.

One is very bad for climate and the other is bad for security. We have to think, in fairness, in a more holistic way. It is about balance, control over demand and getting renewables built. You cannot pick one bit and take it off the table. If Ireland gets no increase in demand, we will stagnate at about 40% or 42% RES-E for the rest of the decade and we will be like the UK across the water where there is no economic growth and so on.

I am respectfully suggesting a balanced conversation, and Shaping our Electricity Future gives that picture. I am very happy to talk through that with the Deputy offline.