Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

Am I hearing the sands shifting in Sinn Féin's policy on climate again? The Deputy refers to the Government pushing renewables. Does he not think renewables should be playing a larger role in our energy sector? I would appreciate in the exchange we have if he could clarify that issue. I accept that the cost of energy and the way in which our energy market is structured are causing issues and costs for households and businesses. We are looking at regulatory decisions to see if we can change it in any way. Overall, however, the decarbonisation of our energy sector is one of the biggest prospects we have to try to reduce our carbon emissions and give us a greener, healthier and, in the very long run, a more competitive Ireland. What we need to do, and will do, is look at measures that can help with that transition, but I do not believe it is responsible to spend money we may not have in the future.

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