Results 4,901-4,920 of 6,816 for speaker:Darren O'Rourke

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: I raised this issue at our previous session with the Minister and I do so again to have it on record. This is not a reflection on the Minister of State but it is frustrating and disappointing not to have the senior Minister here. In particular, the fact that we did not receive correspondence shows the worst of form. These sessions are arranged well in advance and we could have rearranged...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the Minister of State. It is worth pointing out three of the five priority questions are on this issue, which highlights its importance. We are in the run-up to Christmas and there considerable focus on it, as there needs to be. The Minister of State referred to a number of issues and I will reflect on some of them from the perspective of the sector. On the fuel rebate, the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: I am sure other Deputies will come in on the same points. On fuel costs, the Government needs to act where it has an opportunity or is in a position to do so. There are such opportunities with the rebate, the carbon tax and elsewhere. I will now focus on the issue of workers. I am hearing a number of things from the sector. The issue is one of bureaucracy. According to the sector,...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Infrastructure (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: The principle that applies here is one that needs to apply across our transition to a zero-carbon economy. It is one of community engagement and consultation. It is not being applied here in the way it should be. It seems that the Government is determined to do this transition by megaphone diplomacy on the picket line or at the farm gate. It is already a major problem and that will...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Infrastructure (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: Given the way this review has been framed, I do not think many hold the expectation but, in theory, one of the conclusions it might come to is that the review does not hold firm and that the project should change tack. From listening to the CEO, it appears to be proceeding full steam ahead. That raises the question of the purpose of the desktop review that is being conducted by the two...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Renewable Energy Generation (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: 5. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to expand the solar PV output throughout the State; the way he plans to make solar PV more accessible to schools, GAA clubs, local authorities and farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53882/21]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Renewable Energy Generation (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: My question is similar to others that have been asked and concerns a failure of Government to deliver on a potential positive in climate action. In offshore wind, we have a lack of a framework and regulation. In onshore wind, we have a lack of guidelines. We have similar issues with microgeneration. I ask the Minister of State his plans to expand the solar photovoltaics, PV, output...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Renewable Energy Generation (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the Minister of State. It is a missed opportunity to date. We see, and it was reported in the media during the week, the level of openness and the opportunities that exist to cover roof space with solar panels. The benefit of that in offsetting the cost of electricity, heating water and running businesses is there for everybody to see. It is a perfect example of where there is a...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Renewable Energy Generation (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: The Minister of State will have full support from the Opposition to move this on as quickly as possible. We need to see the detail of the proposals. My colleague, Deputy Stanley, published legislation some years ago on this and we still have not seen the type of action we need. Will the Minister of State confirm we will not be presented with a load of ridiculous exemptions that rule out...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Infrastructure (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: 6. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the review of the North-South Interconnector; the impact the judicial review decision in Northern Ireland will have on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53684/21]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Infrastructure (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: I ask the Minister of State the status of the Government review on the North-South interconnector and the impact the judicial review decision in the North will have on this project.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Action Plan (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: Today is a significant day but we have been here before. A couple of years ago, the Government set out a climate action plan. Much in today's climate action plan is similar. We are a couple of years on and limited progress has been made on the targets. We had 183 actions and we will have 200 today. How does the Government bring the public with it on this journey and how is it funded? My...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Action Plan (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: To continue on the issue of finance, it is more than disappointing that we missed targets. Some of it is because the focus is not there and some is because the finance is not there. A different approach was applied during the pandemic. There was substantial state borrowing at a national and international level and states led on it. An entirely different approach seems to be proposed here....

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Action Plan (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: 3. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the climate action plan and sectoral emissions ceilings needed to achieve a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53881/21]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Action Plan (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: The Minister of State would do well to look at his own Government colleagues in relation to what he just said. I know local authorities throughout the country, such as the planning regulator in Kildare, Westmeath, and other places – places where my party do not have any representatives, are saying one thing but doing another. I have a question again about the climate action plan...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Electricity Grid (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: 1. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he is taking to prevent electricity blackouts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53880/21]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Electricity Grid (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: Do we have the Minister? Is the senior Minister here?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Electricity Grid (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: We have not been informed the Minister would not be here. As a matter of courtesy, that should happen. These questions are planned well in advance. There is-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Electricity Grid (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: I would appreciate that the Minister of State hear that. It is frustrating. There is-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Electricity Grid (4 Nov 2021)

Darren O'Rourke: It is a legitimate issue to raise.