Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I believe there is already a solar scheme for the medically vulnerable. I do not have the details of the progress of that but it is already being deployed. There will be more solar schemes in the budget and the Deputy is welcome to make any suggestions. The budget has not yet been announced. The schemes will continue to be supported. The public sector is leading by example. I have been working closely with the HSE and expect that it will have solar panels on every one of its buildings. It is the largest sector in the public service with the largest estate and has a requirement for power throughout the year, unlike schools, which are shut in the summer. Solar power is a complement to other forms of renewable generation. On a still day when the wind is not blowing, it is good to have a basket of different electricity sources, which provides resilience for our power system. Earlier this year, I saw the SEAI reported that the amount of solar energy being generated each month was doubling from month to month, so we are seeing a significant contribution to the level of the individual power station to our grid from solar. It is making a significant contribution.

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