Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have a very ambitious goal to have 80% of renewable electricity by 2020. That is Ireland's goal in the climate action plan. That depends on harnessing offshore wind in particular. It is at approximately 43% of electricity generated now. In that context, the development of a new regulatory consenting regime for the offshore renewable sector in Ireland, including the introduction of maritime area consents provided for through the Maritime Area Planning Act, a route to market for future offshore wind projects through offshore renewable electricity support options. The Department of the Environment is working on all of this and has a very extensive work programme involving the development of a framework for offshore electricity transmission systems, updating the offshore renewable energy development plan and a cross-departmental offshore renewable energy delivery task force has been established to capture wider economic and business opportunities for offshore renewable energy, particularly in coastal areas.

We are very concerned with regard to the issue raised by Deputies Christopher O'Sullivan and O'Reilly in respect of the need to protect ocean eco systems for sustainability purposes, to protect fisheries as a natural resource and to ensure fishing opportunities for future generations. That matter is constantly under review and is being developed in the context of fisheries policy.

Deputy Tóibín's points are not valid because it is not the Government that did what he outlined; Brexit did it. That is the bottom line. Had we had a no-deal Brexit, it would have been far worse. The Deputy just made a presentation that was a classic of spin and distortion. He said that the Government is doing this. The Government wants to do nothing of the sort. Brexit caused this.

It is a good idea and important to develop maritime protected areas. We have to consult with all of the stakeholders because otherwise Deputies will be back in with me saying not to do it here or there for various reasons. It is extremely important. Ireland was one of the first countries to become a whale and dolphin sanctuary, for example. It was the former Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey, did that. He was ahead of his time in the context of marine biodiversity. However, we need to do more - and we need to do it faster - to protect our ecosystems because the IPCC report is very worrying indeed.

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