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

Political accountability is extremely important, and the Senator's proposal seeks to ensure the Minister is answerable to the relevant committee regarding progress on foot of the passing of the Bill. I agree with this but the requirement to report to the committee within a specified timeframe is not necessary. This is a project of critical national importance and every endeavour will be made to ensure it succeeds.

The Minister brought the Bill before the Oireachtas in a public manner that demonstrates openness and a desire for cross-party support. The Minister, EirGrid and the CRU have appeared before the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action on the serious issue of energy security, and they will continue to do so. Furthermore, the provisions of the Eirgrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 require that EirGrid report to the CRU on at least a quarterly basis on any measures taken pursuant to the Act, of which these measures are part. The CRU is answerable to the joint committee in the performance of its functions and will be able to further inform the committee of the progress and implementation of this legislation.

There is, therefore, no need to legislate for this in the Bill in such a specific and limiting manner. The joint committee is entitled to ask about the progress of this or any other policy measure within my remit, and it is only right and proper that it does so. Requiring this midway through the delivery process is unnecessarily binding. I, therefore, reject the amendment.