Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators. The Senator is correct in that the just transition commission was meant to be wound down at the end of this month, and it was decided at the time of the climate action plan that it will be put on a permanent footing. I cannot comment on who will be the person who will be appointed and, to be honest, I do not know. I will convey the Senator’s support for Kieran Mulvey to the senior Minister.

The roles of Bord na Móna and the ESB have been critical in the midlands. They have been very significant employers and have provided pensions for many people. Many people I have met when I was travelling the midlands have been involved in energy infrastructure. My feeling is the ESB and Bord the Móna will continue to fulfil that role, to be large and significant employers, but in green energy projects. That is why I see renewable energy applications on both of the sites of those power stations to produce jobs that will last into the future. A very important part of this is the retraining element. The ESB Portlaoise training centre is critical to that. I have spoken to the chief executive of the ESB about ensuring that is properly funded. If Senators are having any difficulty in dealing with those agencies or through the just transition commission, which is meant to be there to facilitate those communications, do contact my office and I will try to help.