Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Has there been engagement with the Commission on state aid? Yes, of course, there has been. Our Department will be in regular contact across a number of areas. Is it likely it will get approval from the European Commission? Yes, it is our intention to design a scheme that will get the approval from the Commission. It is important to remember that under the renewable electricity support scheme, it will be funded through the public service obligation so we have to be cognisant of the impact that will have on both commercial and domestic electricity bills. If we were to approve every single solar application in the country, it would have a dramatic impact on the cost of electricity. It would significantly increase the cost of electricity in this country. We are trying to get cost-effective supports that can be put in place, acknowledging the need to expand the suite of renewable energy power generators that have been supported up to now and to try to support a far broader range.

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