Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for setting out the background. Yet again, there is a proposal to put a plan in place to reach the 2020 targets. It is the case that the figures reflect relatively paltry growth across the renewable energy sector and even show a 0.2% decrease in the portion of the heating sector powered by renewable sources. It is well recognised across the industry that we have made considerable headway in regard to the generation of electricity but we are very significantly behind regarding transport and the heating sector. I would like the Minister to explain, as best he can, when we can expect to see a plan setting out a method for achieving the targets set out for 2020. In doing so, can he identify for us what the cost will be if we do not reach those targets? The SEAI has estimated that the cost to Ireland may be in the range of €100 million to €150 million for each percentage point by which Ireland falls short of the overall 16% renewable energy target.

See this speech in context