Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also thank the Rural Independent Group for the opportunity to speak.

The various motions that have been put before the Dáil since we returned suggest the Government cannot lead when it comes to the current energy crisis. It shows no foresight and has no comprehension of how to do right for the people.

I followed the debate in my office before coming to the Chamber. Looking at the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, across from me now only confirms my belief that they do not have any interest in solving this problem.

In its amendment to the motion, the Government refers to recently ordered reviews, including a public consultation on the review of Ireland's energy security which was launched last week, on the same day the ESB posted half-yearly profits of €390 million. The Government consistently reacts when it is nearly too late.

On decoupling gas from electricity prices, as I have told the House in October last, the Government strongly opposed proposals at EU level to decouple electricity prices from the gas market which would have helped bring down costs. Its subsequent U-turn is welcome but hardly inspires confidence.

We have a Government playing catch-up at a time when families and businesses across this country are at their wits' end. Offshore wind energy has been left in the doldrums by the Government. Sinn Féin recently launched the Green Hydrogen Strategy Bill. Green hydrogen has the potential to act as a store for surplus renewable energy, an alternative source of heat for homes and businesses and a fuel in the transport sector, including for long-haul and heavy goods vehicles. With its abundance of renewables, particularly offshore wind, Ireland is uniquely positioned to harness the potential of green hydrogen. The European Commission published its strategy in July 2022 and our neighbours in Scotland published their first strategy in 2015. The Government, while finally making some positive soundings, is lagging behind.

The Government's retrofit strategy prioritises those with means over those in need, while the warmer homes scheme for the most vulnerable households has a major backlog and waiting time of over two years. Yesterday, Sinn Féin proposed a retrofit system that would provide tiered grants that would see the most financial assistance provided to those on the lowest incomes who need help the most.

At the ploughing championship yesterday, a Sinn Féin event with various farming organisations was told how our farmers can get credits for the sustainability measures they take on their farms. The problem is we have a Government that is not making use of the resources we have the potential to provide. Anaerobic digestion on our farms is not being given sufficient attention, while recent funding available in the EU under the RePowerEU programme was not even applied for. I would like to know why.

Successive Governments have failed to competently balance electricity supply and demand and, as a result, the prospect of blackouts this winter remains a real possibility. Data centres can continue to set up shop regardless of the pressure they put on the grid. The ESB can post scandalous profits and the Government still tries to sweep a decade of energy policy failures by successive Governments under the carpet.

The Government cannot wash its hands of all responsibility. It must move on from mere commitments and giving household advice to families who already know what needs to be done.

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