Dáil debates

Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Environmental Protection Agency (Emergency Electricity Generation) (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

5:07 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has come into the Chamber and is twisting and turning, in fairness. He said this provision only relates to two designated sites and no others, but then something else was brought to his attention. This matter was brought to our attention when we asked these very questions during the week. We have not had a lot of time to deal with this. We are asking simple, basic questions and when putting these same questions to the Minister, we are getting a different answer in the Chamber.

I have asked the Minister what the definition of "winter" is and he has not given me an answer. We do not know what "winter" is. It will come down to an interpretation. The Minister said that if one of these two sites is shot down, for whatever reason, this legislation cannot be invoked. It can be invoked and we have been told it can be invoked. The reality is that winter finishes in April. It is about energy demand. In any interpretation taken by the courts, if the fuel allowance is paid into April, one could legitimately make the argument that winter, from an energy demand point of view, continues into April. We are talking about a 14-month window in that regard and the Minister is telling me, here and now, that if one of these sites gets shot down, another site cannot be put forward within the next 14 months. That is not the case and that is why we need the sunset clause.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.