Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The best way we can protect this sector is to grow it and support it. That is where the work on the RHO is particularly important. The Deputy can be assured that I see the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund as a very obvious fit within my Department and the work we are doing on energy transition. That is something we will be discussing and agreeing with colleagues. The previous Government and the previous Minister have very clear views on that, many of which I would support. The best way to protect our indigenous sector in this industry, which is in its infancy, is to grow it further and support it. We can support it through another round of grants in 2026, which we are preparing, and also particularly through the RHO. I would like to see the work with the Commission concluded as expeditiously as possible. Once that is done, I will bring that to the Cabinet to get Government agreement on it and we can move it forward from there.

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