Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this issue. Notwithstanding the announcement last week on the provision of revenue from the carbon tax to the just transition fund, which will be for the regions, localities and communities affected by the loss of jobs in the area for years, the nub of the issue is that the public service obligation, PSO, payment will expire in the coming weeks. We do not believe a price has been set between the ESB and Bord na Móna in the absence of the PSO. The carbon credits and the costs associated with them have multiplied by four, since the ESB belatedly only hedged funds up to six months in advance. Next year is the last year it can burn peat alone. The Minister stated it is Government policy to co-fuel but it has not insisted on the ESB seeking a judicial review of the decision. I do not believe it is fair, appropriate or right just to state it is still being considered. The day for considering has come to an end and it is time for decisions to be taken and for people to be straight. It is time for the Minister, the Department, the ESB and Bord na Móna to be straight with me as a representative of the companies and the workforce to ensure progress is made and the prospects of those involved are seen to and that they are engaged with on where we go from here.

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