Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, we have committed that any additional revenues we raise, whether from a windfall tax, a solidarity contribution from companies in the renewables sector, which companies have done very well owing to how energy is priced, and also from fossil fuel companies, will be provided by way of additional supports to communities, households and businesses. Several Departments are currently working to scope out the impact of the measures that have been agreed at EU level. That work is continuing. I expect that, throughout next year, we will have further clarity on what that means. The commitment to giving revenue back to people by way of additional supports, reduced network tariffs and so on will apply.

On Deputy Ó Murchú's question, I assume he was referring to district heating systems. This issue has been raised with me also at constituency level. I have engaged with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, on it because I am aware it has presented particular problems for residents with group heating. A district-heating group has been set up across government to work on that and determine what possible solutions may exist.

I will ask the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris, to revert to Deputy Murnane O'Connor on Carlow College and the non-availability of some of the supports to some of its students.

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