Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I mentioned, a number of reports and analyses have examined the effect of renewables on issues such as electricity prices. The Deputy is correct there is a cost involved. There is a cost associated with any of the technologies in terms of the supports and incentives we need to put in place. This issue is about accessibility of technology, the state of development of technology and the cost of technology in terms of investment. However, it is also an economic issue for the Exchequer and the Government, because it involves supports and incentives. Therefore, it is a State funding issue also.

The ESRI and IWEA studies considered the 2020 position, while a joint SEAI-EirGrid study looked at the position in 2011. I can give the Deputy additional information later or in a further supplementary response.

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