Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wholeheartedly support the contents of the Bill. I commend my colleague, Deputy Stanley, on bringing it forward and I appeal for support from all Deputies to ensure its successful passage. Ireland is experiencing an acute cost of living crisis. In recent years, on an almost weekly basis, we have been discussing acute increases in prices in the Chamber. Whether for rent, insurance or utilities, we are well aware the only way prices have been going is up. At the same time, we have been stuck in a prolonged period of wages freeze following harsh cuts in the years from 2008 to 2012. Bearing this reality in mind, I cannot see any downsides whatever arising from what the Bill is trying to achieve. It is good for the environment and for people's financial circumstances. Moreover, it empowers people to make a responsible personal decision to contribute to tackling the very real issue that is climate change today.

If we are serious about reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and embracing environmentally friendlier energy sources, we need to support progressive green measures, of which this is certainly one. There was much talk in the House last week about a carbon tax and the support levels of various parties for such. A carbon tax is punitive unless it can change behaviour and unless there is an alternative. Microgeneration is the alternative. People can be encouraged from a financial and responsibility point of view.

There is also a community aspect to this proposal. Throughout the country, schools, community centres and sports clubs survive through members' fundraising efforts. This measure has the capacity to provide a stable income stream for these community-based entities and should be promoted to them in the most favourable terms. I enthusiastically endorse Deputy Stanley's Bill and what it seeks to achieve and I welcome the Government's acceptance of it. What is needed now is a speedy passage towards its full implementation.

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