Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am not disturbed.

The motion refers to the issue of carbon-related windfall gains, which was raised by Deputies O'Donnell and Varadkar. The issue of windfall gains to electricity generating companies that arise as a result of the free allocation of carbon allowances under the EU's emissions trading scheme is complex and is faced not only by Ireland, but by all EU member states. The issue is subject to ongoing examination by the Department of Finance and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources under Deputy Eamon Ryan. This will take account of all implications and, in particular, the need to be certain about the effectiveness of any initiative. One difficulty we face in this regard is that only one EU member state has introduced measures to deal with this issue, and these are now subject to appeal and legal challenge.

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