John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the very comprehensive reply. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure. We need to provide an increased public charging network for those who do not have access to a private driveway.

The Minister of State mentioned that the Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open in the near future. That goes a long way towards trying to resolve the very issue that I have raised. I am glad to hear that response from Government today. However, as stated by the Minister of State, we have to make sure that we minimise the deterrents. For a person to choose to purchase an electric vehicle, it has to be as simple as possible. If I want to buy an electric vehicle but I note that my nearest charging point is half way up the town or two estates away where there are only two spaces that are always in use, I will not make the move to an electric vehicle. We need to increase the public infrastructure for charging vehicles but it would be really useful for us to look at some of the best practice on the Continent and see what is being done there.Germany is one example. We need to be able to think a little outside the box about how to provide what is not necessarily public infrastructure. I have gone over time but the Minister of State gets the point I am making. I am interested in hearing her response.