Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will bring the Senator's comments about biomethane and hydrogen and Gas Networks Ireland back to the Minister. With regard to the legislative barriers to implementing the July 2022 statement, I understand the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to implement that policy statement. That work would include the consideration of any legislative changes which may or may not be needed. I have outlined the work that the Commission for Regulation of Utilities is conducting in its review of future demand of large energy users. I also mentioned the Government policy seeking to enable the twin transitions of digitalisation and decarbonisation of our economy and society. The statement on the role of data centres in Ireland's enterprise strategy is to ensure alignment with Ireland's renewable energy targets, security of supply, sectoral emissions and climate priorities. I will bring the Senator's comments back to the Minister and the Department.