Peter Kelly (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

As well as oil, Ireland is highly dependent on imported gas, especially for electricity. The Russia-Ukraine gas crisis, although it did not affect us directly at the time, provided a stark reminder of the potentially precarious position in which our dependence on imported gas puts us. The EU is currently developing a strategy to ensure that Europe is more united on the issue of gas provision. It is set to introduce statutory regulations for gas storage by this summer.

While it is imperative we develop proper facilities and methods for energy storage, energy conservation and the development of renewable energy are equally important. A number of concrete steps have been taken on this front.

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