Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a more serious misunderstanding underlying the text of the motion: the conflation of, or confusion between, the memorandum of understanding, to which others have referred, and the development of EirGrid and the national transmission system. The Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, has made clear, as I am sure the Minister of State will, that plans to develop the grid have nothing to do with the proposed export projects. These are separate matters.

Two distinct imperatives underlie Government energy policy, which are reflected in the Government amendment. The first is the imperative to have a modern, developed, energy system to attract investment and jobs, as well as to provide people with the living standards to which they are accustomed. As Senator Mulcahy pointed out, the storms demonstrated people’s vulnerability to interruptions in power supply. We need a developed energy infrastructure.

The second imperative is mentioned in the Sinn Féin motion and the Government amendment. The language in both is very similar.