Eileen Lynch
Agricultural Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I thank the Minister for being here this evening. This is an important motion. It is vital to discuss rural Ireland and its continued and ongoing development. It deserves policies that recognise its value and invest in its future. I am from north-west Cork, which is quite rural.”
“They are community hubs as well and it is vital that the Government supports them because we are seeing so many closures in villages which now do not have places for people to meet. Many of them provide a community service and the scheme needs to be looked at in budget 2027.”
“I welcome the progress made under the rural safety plan, including the roll-out of local community safety partnerships. It is an area we need to focus on where we have seen increases in rural burglaries. We need to look at how we could make people feel safer in their own homes.”
“They are being addressed through a whole-of-government approach, rather than with piecemeal measures, and that is vital. In north-west Cork, we have seen the benefits of this investment. The completion of the Macroom bypass has transformed travel on the N22. It has improved safety and made Macroom town a much better place to be.”
“It has improved Local Link services, supported regional enterprise and invested in community facilities across the country. I commend the Minister on the work he is doing on community facilities as well as previous Fine Gael Ministers in that Department, including former Deputies Heather Humphreys and Michael Ring.”
“It is great that the building has been brought back into use and the services it now provides will be invaluable to Gaeltacht Mhúscraí. My colleagues who have spoken have raised the matter of agriculture. This is very much at the heart of rural Ireland.”
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“I would also like to be associated with the expressions of congratulation to my colleague, Senator Ahearn, on his appointment as the Leader of the House. He has been a fantastic Acting Leader over the past few weeks. In case there was any doubt, he has really proven himself. I am looking forward to the remainder of his term as the Leader. I acknowledge Senator Ahearn’s family members who are here with him today. It is also an incredibly proud day for them. They are proud of him all the time in light of his political achievements and those of his late mum, but it is particularly the case today. It is such a special day for Senator Ahearn and all his family. I really hope they all enjoy it. I want to speak about the findings of the European Commission’s latest state of the digital decade report. It was published last week.”
“I take the point about Aistear and the point about the leaving certificate project but we need to do more. This is a resource that is free and that has been widely accredited at a European level. It is shameful if we cannot accredit it and acknowledge it here at a national level when it came from Ireland.”
“It is an excellent programme. These two programmes are actually quite complementary, yet the way the Department of foreign affairs is putting it is that it is either-or. It most certainly is not. The Key to the EU and the Blue Star programmes can work together, hand in hand. We have to be very mindful and careful of our position within the European Union when we look at the way in which politics across the Union is fragmenting and the global change we are facing. According to the most recent European Movement Ireland poll, while 82% of Irish people are happy to retain our membership, 26% do not feel that the EU is moving in the right direction, 28% do not know, 37% feel their views are not represented at a European level, and 27% of people do not know whether they are. There is a lack of education there.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his kind words and for taking this matter today. I appreciate that it is not within his Ministry. Nonetheless, I am quite disappointed with that reply. I am aware of the meeting with Ms Collier and Dr. Schön-Quinlivan. However, we are not looking for sponsorship, as the Department has outlined in the second page of the reply. We are not looking for an endorsement. All we are looking for is that schools be made aware that this resource is available. It seems absurd to me that a primary school funded programme cannot secure a basic level of support from our Ministers during the year of the EU Presidency we are hosting. It is not about sponsorship, funding or endorsement. It is simply about letting schools know that this resource is available. I take the point on the Blue Star programme.”
“Active citizenship cannot and should not be an abstract idea. It begins with children in primary classrooms learning what it means to belong to something larger than themselves and discussing how to engage with it and shape it. This programme seeks to do that. It brings the European Union to kids in ways they can understand. This is a fully funded, ready-made way to do that and to open that conversation with children. I see many adults who do not have a full grasp of the European project. If we can start the proper education on this at a young age, it will be really beneficial to our citizens going forward. All I am asking is for the Department to highlight this programme and simply let schools know that it is there.”
“The position stated by the Department of Education and Youth is that it does not endorse any outside programmes but this has suffered exceptions, such as the endorsement of incredibly worthy anti-bully and online safety programmes like FUSE. This is a programme that is the result of a unique collaboration between primary and third level educators. Just last month, Dr. Emmanuelle Schön-Quinlivan was appointed by the European Commission to the advisory board of the project, enhancing democratic citizenship education and supporting member states with resources and tools. This highlights just how highly regarded Key To the EU and its creators are. To be getting this kind of accolade at a European level but not be getting it at a national level indicates that something is very wrong.”
“I am asking whether this programme could be included in that communication or for the Department to send a single dedicated email letting principals and teachers know that this fully-funded, freely available resource exists. There is no funding sought. It is fully funded from an EU level. No new scheme is proposed. No curriculum change is required because the new primary curriculum framework embeds at its core a wheel of competencies where active citizenship features. This programme links in with many existing modules and subjects on the current curriculum. There are parts that link in with history, geography and English. We are seeking one act of communication at a moment of real national and European significance.”
“It is an engaging programme in active European citizenship education designed for primary level. It gives teachers free curriculum-linked classroom resources with differentiation built in and a Drumcondra-accredited CPD course to support them. This is not an untested programme, it is one of only 13 teacher training programmes competitively funded by the European Union, and it is the only one of those programmes that is based at primary school level. A programme led from Ireland is being praised across the Union as a model of good practice and yet it lacks visibility in the very schools here at home that it was meant to serve. What I am seeking from the Minister of State is something practical, which is the promotion of this programme. Each August, before the school year begins, the Department communicates with primary schools.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here with us this morning. I want to speak about the Key to the EU programme, which is a fully-funded EU primary school programme. As the Minister of State knows, in the second half of this year, in just shy of a month, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a Presidency which will not only shape what we say in Brussels, but should shape what we do at home in our classrooms with the next generation of European citizens. The hosting of the Presidency is a real opportunity to bring the European project closer to our citizens. The Key to the EU programme also offers just that. It was created by Dr. Emmanuelle Schön-Quinlivan from UCC and Trish Collier, who is a principal in Kilmurry National School in Cork North-West, my own constituency.”
“There are so many kids stuck in the squeezed middle who need that little bit of additional help but, at the current moment and with the current pupil-teacher ratios we have, they are not getting that. If we look at predicted closures of schools across the country due to them coming under the pupil-teacher ratio, we are looking at 19 potential closures in Munster. Decreasing the pupil-teacher ratio would give a lifeline to these schools. I am asking to bring the Minister for education in here to discuss this. I know there are a lot of pressures on the budget but we need to discuss this and it is a very important form of long-term investment.”
“An addition 1,000 teaching posts across the country would reduce the pupil-teacher ratio of 20:1. From speaking to teachers, not just this morning but all across my area of north-west Cork, this is the first time in quite a few years there has been no difficulty in fulfilling new teaching posts. There are a lot of people returning from abroad as qualified teachers. We also have a lot of people graduating from our teaching colleges here. There will not be any difficulty in getting these people. It would make a difference in every single classroom for the teachers. It is not always 23 students but that is the average. A decrease from a ratio of 23:1 to 20:1 would mean teachers would have more time to deal with children who have additional needs and more time to focus on those kids who need a little bit of extra help.”
“I rise this morning to speak about education and teaching across the country. I have attended, as I am sure many here today have too, the INTO briefing across the road to get its insight into the way things are at the moment within our primary school education system. The INTO's ask is for 1,000 new teaching posts, which will cost €78 million. I appreciate this is a large sum of money and if we are to do this, it will be on an ongoing basis. This is an investment we cannot afford not to make. If we look around the country, while we see our class sizes are the lowest they have been in two decades, at 23, we are still four ahead of the EU average. We are comparing very poorly with countries which are not as economically well-off as we are but where the average is 19.”
“At the moment, farmers who use HVO are paying 23% VAT, as opposed to 13.5% VAT on green diesel, and we need to rectify this. If we are serious about energy transition and energy security, we cannot just be consumers of other countries' innovations. We need to make our own efforts to demonstrate that we are serious about this. Something like further use of HVO is a simple solution and these are the kinds of solutions we need to look at and implement.”
“Austrian postal services have fully converted their national truck fleet to run on HVO. This replaces around 6 million litres of diesel each year with fuel made from waste oils and residues. It is expected to reduce emissions by several thousand tonnes of CO2 annually. In Ireland, we have the raw materials - animal fats and used vegetable oils - and we have the expert knowledge at places like the Whitegate refinery. However, we lack clear capital investment signals and excise parity that would allow our domestic HVO industry to grow. Our farmers can use HVO as an alternative to green diesel. It is an area in which my colleague, Councillor John Reilly in Louth, has done a lot of work. He has consistently called for the increased use of HVO and a reduction of VAT on HVO.”
“This morning, I rise to speak about the domestic production and use of hydrotreated vegetable oil, commonly known as HVO. We all understand the challenges we face in achieving our 2030 climate goals. I really believe we are missing out by not utilising HVO to its full extent. HVO is a fuel that can be used without any engine modifications. It reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90% over its entire life cycle. As of 1 January this year, the mandatory share of renewable fuels in the transport sector has risen to 32%. We are mandating the use of these fuels yet we are almost entirely dependent on imports from abroad. Basically, I believe we are exporting the economic opportunities of the green transition. We only need to look to our European partners to see what is possible and what can be done.”
“The way they are springing up in an unregulated manner and local authorities are being stood on cannot continue. We need to see guidelines published.”
“The only way that we can progress proper energy development, particularly when it comes to renewables, is if we work with and not against our rural communities, and that is not what we are seeing at the moment. We need to introduce proper planning guidelines for solar developments, and we do not have that at the moment. We need to look at grading land. In comparison with Ireland, Germany, Italy and France have systems in place whereby it is not preferential to use good agricultural lands for solar farm development. I appreciate that we have to have great access and not everywhere is accessible on the grid, but the grid needs to be expanded. There is no other way we can deal with this crisis, and we need to be a lot more effective and efficient in our use and development of solar farms.”
“When this was subsequently appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, the decision was taken just this week to overturn the ruling of Cork County Council and to grant planning permission on the basis of the climate action plan. I am in favour of solar farms, but they need to be in the correct areas. We do have an energy crisis, and we have to mindful of that energy crisis and we need to do everything we can to resolve it, but what we are doing by letting solar farms spring up all over the country in an unplanned manner without proper regulation, and on a piecemeal basis whereby each local authority decides whether or not it is line with their county development plan, is quite simply not fair.”
“I rise to speak about a solar farm in Aglish in the Lee Valley in County Cork, very close to where I am from, which has recently been granted planning permission. This was a decision for a 161 ha solar farm. There is massive local opposition. When this went to Cork County Council last year, it received 200 objections from local people who felt it was not a suitable location. It was refused by Cork County Council on archaeological grounds and also because the council felt that it contravened the county development plan. In its refusal, the council stated that the development was contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
“The farmers I met in Waterfall in Cork do not know what is going to happen in a process that has been ongoing since last year. They are not getting adequate consultation. They have been told there will be CPOs, but other than that they know very little about the process. The lack of certainty is incredibly damaging for those concerned and their businesses. It is also damaging for the process, which is allegedly based on consultation. People have lost all trust in the process. Where is the process being monitored? What safeguards are in place? It is fine to say that a CPO is a last resort but at the end of the day, it is compulsory. It would appear that the negotiations prior to that are not always adhered to in a clear and transparent manner.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I note what he said. It is disappointing, in that the points that have been laid out are largely based on consultation. If that was always actively adhered to, it may have more of an effect. In terms of the consultation the Minister of State outlined, where is it being monitored or checked in terms of local authorities and TII to ensure that it is actually happening? I appreciate he provided the example of Clifden where, despite arbitration, a resolution could not be reached. In many greenways across the country, consultation is not taking place. Boxes are being ticked and the extensive consultation to which the Minister of State referred is simply not happening. This is leading to massive uncertainty for landowners.”
“I do not believe it is fair. It is not for TII to step in and take these lands for an amenity. I could understand if it was a CPO for a road, critical infrastructure or wayleaves. That would be incredibly necessary but this is not necessary. It is being done without consultation. I appreciate there is a legal framework around it in terms of the powers to local authorities under the Planning and Development Act whereby they can use CPO for any need to further their duties. Looking at the Roads Act and the Clifford and Anor v. An Bord Pleanála case where the judge read greenways into the definition of roads which allows compulsory purchase of property for the progression of roads, I am not sure if it requires legislative change or what is the best way to do this. I look forward to hearing the Minister of State’s reply.”
“Landowners are being told what to do with their land. It is presenting many challenges. It is not viable or sustainable and there has been a massive lack of consultation. The Waterford greenway, where the vast majority of land used was public, was a successful endeavour in terms of cost at around €20 million. By comparison, the Kerry greenway is in the region of €70 million. It very much seems as though a haphazard approach is being taken by TII. What is being done is in no way compliant with what was set out in the pathways document for national and regional greenways in which it was agreed by TII and the Irish Farmers Association that the use of private land for greenways would be on a mutually agreed basis. There is nothing mutually agreed about what is happening in Cork and Kinsale. There is a lack of consultation.”
“From what I have seen on the Cork-Kinsale greenway and the landowners who will be affected by this there has been an extreme lack of public consultation. It has been very disingenuous because notifications have been sent out to say full consultation has taken place with landowners and that that box has been ticked when that simply is not the case. The proposed CPOs for this proposed greenway will sever farms. At a time when we talk so much about generational renewal and biosecurity, these two issues will be affected by the compulsory purchase of these lands for this greenway. We are using these old railway lines for greenways, which is well and good when they are publicly- or State-owned or owned by the local authority. However, much of the land in question here was purchased back in 1969.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here this morning. I raise this Commencement matter in relation to compulsory purchase orders, CPO, in relation to greenways. This is something that is becoming more of an issue across the country. I am from County Cork and I raise it having met farmers who will be affected by potential CPOs on the Cork-Kinsale greenway. First, I want to say greenways are a fantastic facility and amenity. As they can bring a lot to an area in terms of attracting tourists and bringing income to an area, this is no way guided by anything that might be perceived as anti-greenway. However, what I am very much against is the compulsory purchase of privately-owned land and particularly privately-owned farm land when it comes to developing greenways.”
“However, we want fair standards and that is why I welcome this decision. I would appreciate it if we could ask the Minister for trade or the Minister for agriculture to come to the House to discuss this decision and the implications it will have.”
“It is what our Minister for agriculture has been saying. I take this opportunity to commend the Irish Farmers Association and the Irish Farmers Journal on an investigation they carried out last year. They went to Brazil and saw just how easily accessible antibiotics are for use in animals. It is very important that when we are looking at our food produce, we do not have use of antimicrobials or antibiotics. We have a growing problem across the world with antimicrobial resistance and this decision is incredibly important in that regard. It shows the strength of the EU at it stands behind its standards and ensures it does not let substandard produce into the European Union and Ireland. As a country, we are a fantastic producer of beef and produce some of the best beef in the world. We gain massively from the European market.”
“I would like to be associated with the congratulations to my constituency colleague Senator Nicole Ryan on the recent birth of her baby. I wish her, her partner and her new child all the very best. An incredibly important decision by the EU Commission was announced yesterday. From 3 September 2026, Brazilian agricultural imports, including beef, honey, eggs and poultry, will not be allowed into the European Union. This is the result of a decision showing that Brazil is not compliant with EU standards for the use of antimicrobials and antibiotics. It is important to note in terms of the Mercosur agreement, which has provisionally been in place since 1 May, that Brazil is the only one of the four Mercosur countries that has been found to be non-compliant. This acknowledgement is a great step forward. This is what Ireland has been saying.”
“It is incumbent on us as politicians to fix this. We need to make sure that people feel included and can see the benefits of Europe to us. Europe Day reminds us that the European Union is ultimately about people. It is about peace, opportunity, stability and shared progress. At a time when division and misinformation are becoming more common, these values need to be defended now more than ever. I hope we can play a leading role in this during our Presidency in the latter half of the year.”
“As Ireland prepares to host the Presidency of the Council of the European Union we have a valuable opportunity to help shape these conversations on the future of Europe. We can play a constructive role in promoting unity and supporting democratic values, while ensuring that the European Union remains focused on the needs of its citizens. It is important that we work to strengthen public engagement with Europe. I also note the EMI poll published yesterday, to which the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne referred. While it is great to see that Irish public opinion is still largely in favour of the European Union, 37% of people feel their views are not reflected at European level, while a further 25% feel that they are unsure as to whether or not they are being represented properly at European level.”
“Support for Ukraine is an essential part of this as it embodies European values and, in a sense, defends Europe. After all, while Russia is focused on the war with Ukraine it cannot fully threaten other European countries militarily. It is important to understand that the eastern front is interconnected and if Kyiv falls, any neighbouring country could be next. It is important to understand that democracy is what unites us all. It is our defining characteristic which we must nurture and defend. We cannot allow our shared institutions to be exploited. Our primary task is to neutralise the threats of disinformation and hybrid warfare, for social division will be followed by political division, leaving us vulnerable to a potential military threat from the east.”
“As a country that has seen the benefit of EU membership I believe we need to continue to advocate for enlargement of the Union and support our colleagues who wish to become contributing members of the Union. The EU was founded initially as a peace project and I believe enlargement can serve as a valuable security measure since every grey area left by the EU is far more susceptible to Russian influence, as my colleague Senator O'Reilly has outlined, which may pose a threat to Europe in the future. Now more than ever it is important that we stand united. Fragmentation plays into the hands of the enemies of democracy. We cannot allow Europe to be weakened by polarisation and erosion of our shared values, particularly at a time when we cannot rely on our allies in the US as we have done in the past.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Buttimer, agus cuirim fáilte roimhe. As we mark Europe Day it is important that we focus on the values that continue to bind us together as Europeans, which are democracy, co-operation and our continued respect for one another. As has been outlined, Europe is facing many challenges such as the continued rise of populism and the far right, attacks on our democracy and the constant threat of war. As we know, Ireland has benefited massively from its membership of the European Union through developing our infrastructure, through Erasmus programmes and CAP. The benefits of our membership have been endless.”
“Lack of consultation is a massive problem. Local authorities are saying that consultation is taking place but this is not the case. It is incumbent on us to review this and to ensure that it does not continue to happen. We look at the Kerry greenway where many farmers have yet to be paid for a CPO. That infrastructural development cost €70 million in comparison with the Waterford greenway, which cost €20 million. This is a completely inefficient and ineffective use of money. I fail to see why TII continues to pull money for these endeavours, which in many cases are not completed. The irresponsibility of it has to be called out. For that reason, I am calling for the Minister for Transport to come to the House to address it on this matter.”
“It is incredibly irresponsible of the Minister for Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, to allow this to continue to happen, particularly when we look at the code of practice for greenways, which was agreed by TII and which sets out that if there is to be purchase of lands for greenways, it is to be on an agreed and mutual basis. Quite simply, that is not happening. This Monday, I visited two farms in Waterfall in County Cork that will be affected by the Cork-Kinsale greenway. These are two active dairy farms. The proposed greenway will cut right across the middle of their land and leave landlocked a large proportion of their land should the farmers ever wish to change their ventures in the future. It will also make access to their parlour, which is on the lower side of this greenway, incredibly difficult.”
“I will speak about the use of compulsory purchase orders, CPOs, to purchase private land for greenways. This is on foot of a briefing to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food yesterday from the IFA, the National Greenway Action Association and the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association. I am very much in favour of greenways. There are some in my locality and I appreciate completely the benefits they bring to any rural area in particular. However, what we are seeing more and more frequently is the use of CPOs to purchase private land for greenways. To be honest, it is not good enough. It is damaging to our farmers and is causing a lot of upset within communities.”
“If possible, this should be reviewed for a further increase because, as I have said, the businesses do not have access to loan finance. Given current cost inflation, it is appropriate for us to consider increasing the upper limit and, potentially, eligibility. I am aware that the funding is specifically for microenterprises and that there is other funding available as businesses develop, but maybe we should be considering this. In conclusion, the Bill aims to secure the future of an organisation that plays such a crucial role at the foundation of our economy and in supporting these small businesses that otherwise may never see the light of day. It is about aligning funding with accountability, strengthening the managing system and ensuring confidence in the future. I commend the Bill to the House.”
“It is important that we remember that these are real businesses. They include cafés, small workshops and family-run enterprises. It is precisely these businesses that sustain the local economy. They create jobs in our communities and contribute to regional development. I welcome the Minister of State’s confirmation that 78% of fund drawdowns occur outside Dublin. Therefore, so much of this funding is going to regional, local and rural areas. The large number of jobs saved and loans issued demonstrates just how effective the support is. The Bill ensures that the framework underpinning the support will be just as robust. I noted the Minister of State’s comments on the increased level under this Bill. I note the upper amount was increased from €25,000 to €50,000 in 2024.”
“Subject to ministerial approval, the provision of the superannuation scheme is a key element in ensuring staff are supported as the organisation transitions to State ownership. I welcome the Minister's intention to propose amendments on Committee Stage to further clarify the status of staff and provide them with certainty regarding their rights and the continuation of service. This clarity is both necessary and appropriate. Beyond the legislative details, it is incredibly important to remember why this matters. MFI fills a gap in the market that the banking system does not. It makes finance available to those who may not be able to avail of bank loans. It provides access to finance to small businesses that are often at an early and vulnerable stage. Without access to this funding, they may not be able to progress at all.”
“The Bill transfers the authorised capital from the social finance fund to the Minister and amends the 2012 Act to reflect the fact that MFI will no longer operate as a subsidiary of that fund. This Bill strengthens existing mechanisms by having the Minister appoint the members of the board of directors, including its chair, thereby ensuring a clear division of responsibilities. The Bill contains standard provisions regarding the board's operating procedures, appointments and succession. Importantly, the Bill provides for the appointment of the CEO by the board of directors with the Minister's consent and establishes clear accountability. The Bill, as has been outlined, also addresses staffing and pensions.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as bheith anseo linn inniu. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill and to support its passage through the House. As the Minister of State has outlined, it is largely technical but its impact is still significant. We need to strengthen a mechanism that has proven effective in supporting small businesses. Essentially, the Bill provides for the transfer of MFI into full State ownership under the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. MFI is publicly funded, implements Government policy objectives and plays a vital role in supporting microenterprises across the country. It is therefore entirely appropriate that its ownership, governance and accountability structures reflect this role and that the Bill provide for that alignment.”
“The most recent package will make a difference for drivers, hauliers and farmers and that has to be acknowledged but we also need to look at supports for home heating oil. For now, this is about people who are under real pressure and who deserve to be listened to. It is incumbent on us, as public representatives, to lead, serve and ensure the electorate is not disenfranchised.”
“However, as many colleagues said earlier, not everyone turning up to these protests is there for the right reasons. There are those who are trying to exploit people's genuine hardship to push their own agendas and push division. That undermines the credibility of the protests and, more importantly, it takes away from the voices of those who are genuinely struggling and puts our democracy in danger. We need to separate the two and we need to support those who are acting in good faith. As a Government, we have a responsibility to respond in a way that is practical and fair. We need to listen. There is no quick or easy fix here. Fuel prices are being driven by global factors that are far beyond our control. We must focus on targeted supports that make a difference.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. I thank Senator Rabbitte for sharing time. I acknowledge the real hurt and anxiety that so many people across the country are feeling right now when it comes to fuel costs. It is not just affecting those in the haulage and agricultural sectors but people all over the country and, particularly, anyone who has a car. People are worried about how they will heat their homes, how they will get to work or how they will keep their businesses going, particularly smaller businesses, as they face increased costs. In rural Ireland, where people are more dependent on cars, the pressure is even more acute. When people take to the streets to protest, we cannot be dismissive. There is genuine frustration among the public and it has to be heard and respected by public representatives.”
“The Government has invested €1.1 billion in budget 2026 in the area of energy and that billions of euro have been committed to the grid, but we still need to go further, investing in storage, grid infrastructure and expansion, as I have already mentioned, and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen. We have to do all we can right now to guarantee Irish energy security. I support this Bill. It is sensible, it is forward-looking and it is what is needed at this point. It will enhance our resilience and help us to navigate an increasingly complex global situation. Right now we really have no certainty as to what will occur. For that reason, I really welcome this legislation.”
“Ireland has made significant progress in recent years, particularly in wind energy. I urge that our wind energy guidelines be published as soon as possible; they have been delayed for far too long. Solar energy is also an area where we have seen expansion, and it can be further expanded, but it is important that it is expanded in the right places. We cannot continue to see valuable agricultural land taken up by solar farms when poorer land is unsuitable for development because it is not connected to the grid. In Spain, the Madrid region has banned solar farm development on agricultural land in order to protect olive and vine cultivation. These are the kinds of measures we will have to give due consideration to.”
“It is very important that we also recognise the changing nature of energy itself. While oil remains critical to our economy today, particularly in transport and agriculture, we are in the midst of a transition to cleaner energy sources. Energy security and climate action are not opposing goals; they have to go hand in hand. Ensuring that we have adequate oil reserves today does not diminish our responsibility to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels tomorrow. We need to take a pragmatic approach that protects households and businesses while also steadily advancing our climate ambitions. It is incumbent on all of us as legislators to ensure that Ireland is better prepared for future shocks. This means investing in resilience, diversifying our energy sources and supporting innovation in renewable technologies.”
“Across the country, we saw a massive rise in the prices at the pumps before suppliers would ever have felt the extra cost. As consumers, we felt it. There were disproportionate increases. We need to address that, and I welcome the review which has been carried out in this regard by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. We have to ensure that any upward pressure does not lead to price increases for the consumer which are not proportionate. On a broader note, Ireland's energy security can no longer be taken for granted. We are, unfortunately, seeing the real consequences of over-reliance on imported fossil fuels. As an island on the periphery of Europe, we are particularly exposed. We import the vast majority of our oil, and that leaves us incredibly vulnerable to external shocks.”
“Irish citizens across the country are feeling the effects of this war in the sharp increase in the cost of fuel at the pumps, which is putting an extra pressure on everyday lives. In particular, it is having a damaging effect on our hauliers and farmers. This Bill is part of a suite of measures introduced by the Government this week to ease the costs people are facing in relation to fuel and heat, and I strongly welcome these measures. They will make a real difference to people in addressing the extra costs they are facing. The reduction in the NORA levy in the next two months will work alongside the reduction in excise duty, the expansion of diesel rebates and the extension of the fuel allowance. I will, however, call out the price gouging being engaged in by fuel suppliers.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being with us. I welcome this legislation. It is timely and necessary amid a backdrop of increasing global uncertainty. As the Minister of State outlined, the Bill seeks to remove the NORA levy, which is charged at a rate of 2 cent per litre applied to petroleum products sold across the country, on a temporary basis for two months. I acknowledge that the Bill also gives the Minister the power to extend the measure, if necessary, by ministerial order. As we are all aware, we are living in incredibly fraught times, between war in Ukraine and the recent conflict in the Middle East and the Gulf. They are threatening the world in which we live and we really do not know when, or indeed if, a resolution will be reached.”