Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that response. It is a very positive and encouraging response because one of the things people outside this building will be wondering about is where the action is. The Minister of State indicated that the Minister has committed to publishing a consultation on the development of a green hydrogen strategy in the first half of this year. He also stated that as part of this strategy the Department will look at areas of demand where we think green hydrogen will be necessary, competitive and efficient. The Minister of State further noted that there are several companies already looking to take up this opportunity in the midlands and the west. I humbly suggest that contact be maintained with those companies and that they be kept on the pitch in order that they will continue with their work in this area.

The report we both cited is very encouraging. I take the point that the big thing is to increase the amount of wind energy being produced. Will the Minister of State comment on the offshore wind energy element?