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

Everyone agrees that we need substantial further investment in our grid, and price review 6 will bring that forward later this year. As part of the NDP, we are looking at other ways by which we can fund investment in our grid, which is critical to ensure we can realise the potential of more onshore and offshore renewables.

Later this week, the Deputy will see a decision on the PSO, which I think will be welcomed by many. I will not pre-empt that decision but the word I have on it so far indicates it will result in a reduction in the PSO for the year to come.

Ireland's energy network is different from many others. The fundamental issue is how energy prices are struck at EU level and the link to wholesale gas prices. I intend to raise that with EU colleagues at the Energy Council next week. We need a bigger and broader discussion on that as countries like Ireland expand their renewable resource. Last year, 40% of our energy was generated through renewable resources. There are many things we can do and we will work towards them.

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