Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. The energy sector underpins much of the nation's affairs. The effects of price fluctuations in the energy market have knock-on effects for almost every aspect of the economy and can make a real impact on the lives of consumers and their daily decisions.

The invasion of Ukraine has appalled the moral and civilised world. The loss of life and direct attack on people's sovereignty is a dark moment in European history. The war has also marked a significant turning point in energy policy across the European bloc and, indeed, the world. In this context, we must begin a comprehensive discussion on the future of energy and energy production and supply in Ireland. As I mentioned previously to the Minister of State, that discussion should take place sooner rather than later. The war in Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions on Russian oil and gas have disrupted the flow of supply to Europe. In light of these developments, there has been a perhaps overdue spike in awareness across Europe that we must redouble our efforts to increase energy independence within the EU and Ireland. We cannot have scenes and speculations such as those we witnessed last autumn and winter, when questions over blackouts and brownouts were rife. That is why planning ahead is so important.

The single biggest way we can do this is by rapidly expanding our capacity to produce renewable energy, such as through wind and solar. We have known for some time this was where we would have to go in the context of climate change. We now have the immediacy of energy supply disruptions to compound the issue. Ireland has the potential to become a major energy hub. Our geography, weather and demographics place us in a position to play a unique role in the production of energy. Not only can we dramatically increase our production for domestic use in the years ahead, we can also begin to transform the economy to become an energy exporter. We are already on the road towards delivering an increase in the share of renewables flowing through the national grid. This process has been increasing year on year for some time and the figures will be bolstered by the completion of the Celtic interconnector, which will deliver clean electricity, mostly derived from nuclear power generated in France. I recognise, however, that these are matters that will take time to resolve. Changes in planning regimes, the development of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, and certain anomalies that need to be addressed will not be solved overnight. Today I noted that the Cabinet signed off on a new legislative amendment to streamline onshore wind energy generation. That is to be welcomed.

As we look to the here and now, and to the immediate future, we must ensure we have the ability to meet the demands of society. I welcome the fact that plants that were previously deactivated for essential maintenance are now back in service. That will ease some of the strain on the grid we witnessed last year. We must invest in the national grid to respond to the growing energy demands and the growing population. This includes using the grid technology as it was designed rather than the stop-start approach that was adopted and led to the two plants being out of commission in the first instance. The grid needs dramatic funding increases and I think the Bill goes some way towards that. I question, therefore, the comments of certain Deputies in respect of the perceived urgency of the Bill. It is urgent that the grid is upgraded and that we have the capacity to borrow to purchase the necessary equipment to meet the demands of the nation. I question the comments of the Opposition, particularly the Sinn Féin Deputies, in respect of pre-legislative scrutiny. The Bill addresses a very urgent matter, namely, the €75 PSO rebate. In the context of a mini-budget, for which the Opposition is calling, the Government is stepping forward and stating it will bring this about immediately and there will be a €75 rebate.

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