Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The negative impacts of higher energy prices on consumers, society and the economy have been felt. We did good things in the budget to help people with higher energy prices. There are supports in place, but we need to reassure the public that there is energy security. We have to be able to keep the lights on. We need unbroken availability of energy sources at an affordable price and we must do all we can to ensure the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer massive energy costs or disruption of power.

We have to provide confidence to households and businesses with respect to the security of Ireland's energy supply. Energy security is enhanced by having in place a multitude of robust emergency plans that seek to mitigate, offset or prevent supply issues emerging. However, to really lower prices for consumers is the most crucial point. We have to look at alternatives. It is stark that the CRU warns that there is a critical need to procure temporary energy in order that we do not hit winter this year with shortages or, even worse, outages.

This Bill allows provision to be made to allow for alternative environmental assessments to be made by the EPA when considering licensing applications in respect of designated developments. From an environmental perspective, the proposed legislation provides for second assessments as part of the licensing process in a way that will allow the objectives of the EIA directive to be met. The proposed legislation also provides for a streamlined licensing process in emergency circumstances that still affords appropriate public participation in decision-making. Public participation is important.

From an energy policy perspective, pending successful licence and other consent applications, the legislation would facilitate delivery of a second tranche of additional temporary emergency electricity generation within the shortest timeframe achievable. However, let us face it - we are the country with the largest opportunity for wind generation. We are an island on the edge of Europe, yet despite our immense natural resources for offshore wind, Scotland and Portugal outperform us in the adoption of every renewable energy technology. This Bill will allow for us to get in the game in a serious way and provide real and affordable choice for consumers. From speaking to people and businesses, older people in particular are having difficulty with the cost of living. There is a crisis there, so we must give reassurance to the people that we are doing our best to ensure everything is affordable and that we will never have a power cut, which is the main thing. This legislation is going to go a long way. This is all about having lower costs for everybody involved, going forward. I thank the Minister.

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