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

This amendment asks for four reports providing data on energy demands and so on. This is great. I love to see informed debate. I would like to read this information myself. I look at those reports and think I would like to read them. It is a great idea. It does not fit within an EPA (amendment) Bill. It is fine to discuss it. In the previous debate, we said political accountability is very important, but reporting as proposed within specified timeframes, as set out in this proposed amendment, is not necessary. The legislation we are discussing here today reflects legislation previously passed by the Oireachtas and is being introduced in a very public manner that demonstrates an openness and desire for cross-party support. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, EirGrid and the CRU have appeared in front of the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action on this very serious issue of energy security and will continue to do so. The provisions of the Eirgrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 require that EirGrid reports to the CRU on at least a quarterly basis on any measures taken pursuant to that Act. The CRU is answerable to a joint committee of the Oireachtas in the performance of its functions and will be able to further inform the committee of progress and implementation. Therefore, I do not accept the amendment.