Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In response to the European Commission's proposals for a green deal industrial plan for a net-zero age, EU leaders called for further work to be undertaken in several areas, including state aid. It appears that leaders have limited the Commission's state aid work to consider the procedural issues in minor temporary support. As a small member state with significant domestic supply and export opportunities in renewable energy, the Government should be directing the work of the Commission to consider how we can strengthen the commercial semi-State agencies. State rules cannot act as a blockage to Ireland's ambition for energy security and independence. Leaders also tasked the Commission with boosting skills to meet the challenges of labour shortages and the transformation of jobs. I am sure the Taoiseach accepts that the renewables sector must be equipped with the skills base needed to succeed and support its State-led strategies, such as tailored plans for SMEs and sector-specific apprenticeship schemes. The CEO of Green Rebel has argued that the renewable energy sector has the potential to bring life back to rural communities, creating high-end jobs and revitalising towns and villages across the country. Does the Taoiseach agree that Ireland urgently needs to meet the immediate and increasing need for skilled staff in this area?

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