Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)

I am disappointed that the Minister is not accepting our amendments in whole or in part. About 21% of our electricity goes towards data centres. I think I read recently that was set to increase to 30% by 2030. In France and Germany, it is around 3% or 4%. We have to make sure that the increased investment in the grid goes towards the public good.

More importantly, amendment No. 2 deals with €1.5 billion in public funds drawn from the Central Fund rather than borrowed. The fact that this money is not voted by the Oireachtas means that there will be limited scrutiny of it. I believe the Sinn Féin amendment helps to close that gap to ensure that there will be transparency and accountability in how that money is spent, and to ensure that the investment goes towards renewable capacity, network upgrades and the public good. I believe no funds should be used for new data centres. We just do not have the energy there and the data centres are insatiable. The more we produce, the more they look for. Meanwhile, we need to start building houses.

Energy affordability has to be protected to make sure that households are not forced to pay for this through higher bills. I would like the Minister to reconsider amendment No. 2 in particular.

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