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

I am happy to look at any proposal the Senator has. My office is always open for her to come to me and discuss a proposal and my mind is always open.

The Senator asked a number of questions. One was about commercial rates on fossil fuel generation, as opposed to renewable generation. That is a matter on which I am happy to engage with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, because it comes under his Department. Commercial rates, valuation and so on should always be looked to ensure they are in line with the strategy of the Government.

The Senator asked about the RESS 2 auction and whether the prices will come in lower than in RESS 1. As it is an auction, it is hard to know what the bids will be. The Senator pointed out that at present steel prices are high internationally as a result of commodities. I take her point on that but, fundamentally, we are moving to a system where we will generate electricity from something that has no fuel cost - the sun and the wind. The wind has been blowing over Ireland and we have never harvested it before. What will change in future is that instead of being dependent on Vladimir Putin or Gaddafi, we will have our own free source of electricity. Yes, the capital costs will have to be paid, but over 30 years we will have a significant volume of domestically sourced electricity and power, which will keep us warm, provide our transport, provide us with greater self-sufficiency and make us a stronger, more independent nation that does not have to rely on unstable foreign autocratic regimes to provide basic needs to our public. That is a very good thing to happen. I am very optimistic for the future but I am happy to talk to the Senator and listen to any of her proposals for how things should be done better.