Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland is not in a position to solve all our energy issues in isolation and we have no intention of doing so. We are part of the European Union, a collective grouping of countries with the same sense of responsibility. Whether it is EU funding for infrastructure or EU legislation that promotes co-operation on energy security or energy demand reduction measures, we must work together. It is critical that we continue that co-operation and we cannot be exposed. Although I am very conscious that we are an island, we are also connected in other ways, be it at European Commission or European Parliament level. My colleagues in the European Parliament are very focused on energy security issues. There is an electorate in this country that is very genuine, sincere and passionate about climate change and, politically, we must tap into that new energy - pardon the pun - and vibrancy in a young, smart, intelligent electorate that wants to contribute to meeting the challenge.

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