Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One of the most basic functions of a Government is to keep a roof over somebody's head and keep the lights on. Yet, as we speak, after 12 years of the Tánaiste being at Cabinet, there are 10,805 people in emergency accommodation, of whom, shamefully, 3,200 are children. EirGrid's annual generation capacity statement published today raises concern about the State's ability to keep the lights on over the next decade. It highlights that the electricity system will continue to face a shortfall of supply over demand every year over the coming decade. It says the deficit will increase year on year. EirGrid has described the situation as stark and serious. That means more amber alerts and the threat of electricity blackouts remaining for the foreseeable future. IDA Ireland has said that energy shortages threaten inward investment, with businesses facing uncertainty over the State's capacity to ensure security of supply. The Tánaiste mentioned the Secretary General, Dermot McCarthy, has been tasked with preparing a report on how to identify how the Government has got into this situation. When will it be published? Will it be before the end of the month?

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