Mark Duffy
Labour Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I thank the Minister of State for being here on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Foley, and for her detailed reply. While it is disappointing to hear the news here, at least it provides clarity and certainty for the project promoters and, indeed, staff and various stakeholders involved, many of whom have been in touch with me and are really…”
“I call on Bord na Móna, which has powered the community down through the years but is at risk of dividing the community now, to step up and engage effectively with the community. It should not be using community volunteers as a front to push its own agenda.”
“We should not waste people's time or, indeed, taxpayers' money. The waste there of taxpayers' money resides in the fact that resources are going to be spent elsewhere to offer a medium-term solution, while the longer term solution has gone through the procurement, planning and design stages.”
“-----and acknowledge my sister, Councillor Marie-Thérèse Duffy, in the Visitors Gallery? I thank her for being here, for being willing to replace me on Mayo County Council last year and for her support to date. I appreciate it. I also appreciate the achievement of Mayo GAA, which has really united the county.”
“I acknowledge the community in Crossmolina. I attended a public meeting last night that was attended by over 200 people who are very dissatisfied with the proposals by Bord na Móna to build a route around the town of Crossmolina. Crossmolina has a vibrant, active community. There has been a lack of public consultation on this proposal.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, for being here to discuss this very important topic. I acknowledge the work the staff of Tusla do in County Mayo and across the country in very challenging circumstances and with very vulnerable people. They respond when others cannot and do not.”
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“I acknowledge that and pay tribute to it on the occasion of the 40th anniversary celebrations, which will take place this evening. I remember the late Monsignor James Horan and all that went before to make the airport a reality that we all enjoy. We sometimes take it for granted. I acknowledge the Government investment to continue to support the airport. It is such a vital link. Many people use it to commute. They live in the west and commute for work every week. It links our diaspora in the UK and across Europe, as well as connecting us through business. Importantly, the pilgrims who still travel to Knock benefit from the airport. The airport welcomed Pope Francis and President Biden in recent years. Please God, we will have more high-profile visitors coming through it in the coming years. I acknowledge Mr.”
“My own family had land and bog turbary rights around the area of Kilgariff, Barnalyra and Barnacahoge. We have strong family ties to the area. As Mayo people, and as people across the west, we are extremely proud of Knock Airport. Approximately 1 million passengers travel through it every year. It is a beacon for the whole west of Ireland. We all celebrate and enjoy how easy it is to park up and get through security. The airport connects people with destinations throughout the world. The airport was built on the back of faith and vision, and support from communities right across the country, provided through dance halls and jumbo draws. Support from the diaspora around the world, and in particular in America, helped to realise the vision that woke the west.”
“I would also like to acknowledge and welcome the Swedish ambassador to the House. Today I would like to highlight the 40th anniversary of Knock Airport in my home county of Mayo. This is an incredible milestone for what was snubbed as the "foggy boggy runway" when it was first proposed to be built. However, Monsignor James Horan had the vision to light that spark in the west and to have the faith to see through what many people dismissed as a project that could not be done. He famously said, "They said it couldn't be done", as he stood at Knock Airport as the first flight took off. Sadly, he passed away on the first pilgrimage to Lourdes later that year in 1986. However, the airport has gone from strength to strength since it opened 40 years ago.”
“It has been reported that it is waning and declining. That again is a big problem because we have baked in representation at a political level but we need to have influence across all spheres of civic and political life in Brussels to make sure that Irish voices, opinions and positions are cutting through at every level. I would welcome the thoughts of the MEPs. I thank them for being here.”
“Like Senator Cosgrove, I would like to see it continue on to Sligo. What can we do as a State to engage in unlocking funding in Europe to ensure we can have nation-building projects such as the western rail corridor connecting Sligo all the way down the western seaboard? A number of national road projects are also at different stages. I would like to see what can be done to ensure we use every financial asset within Europe to ensure their delivery. The region the MEPs represent is one of the worst for transport infrastructure. It is unique because it is sparsely populated without the large cities there are in other regions. Transport and connectivity are challenges. We need to see this as an opportunity. We must ensure we have investment and delivery. What are the MEPs' thoughts on Ireland's influence at a bureaucratic level in Brussels?”
“I welcome the MEPs from Midlands-North-West. I put on record my support for the suspension of the Israel trade deal with the EU. It has been mentioned by many Senators. This is the mechanism that Ireland should use in supporting all MEPs. Do they all support that suspension? It is the most pragmatic approach to take in a European context. That is the best move forward. There has been progress on the occupied territories Bill here, but at European level, we can have an impact on what is a devastating humanitarian crisis that was totally avoidable. I sit on the Oireachtas joint committees on transport and climate, energy and environment. As was mentioned previously, the western rail corridor is one of the key infrastructural projects that can reignite the west coast, connecting many counties.”
“We could take a step forward both in terms of decarbonising and putting money back in people's pockets and making energy bills much more affordable for homeowners.”
“To create a scheme to broaden Energy Cloud's role to households around the country, specifically those most at risk of fuel poverty is excellent. Building on top of that, there needs to be support through grant aid for battery storage at a residential level. I have raised this plenty of times but I reiterate that call today, given the Minister has confirmed there will be a strategy on surplus renewable energy. Battery storage supports for residential households, targeting those most vulnerable and most at risk of fuel poverty first, and working upwards, can have a transformational benefit for the quality of life of citizens across the country. I welcome consideration of that. Perhaps we could have a debate with the Minister on this in order that we have constructive contributions.”
“I welcome Ailbhe and thank her for being here to support me in an internship role. I welcome confirmation by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Deputy O'Brien, that his Department will now undertake an integrated strategy on the use of surplus renewable energy. It is an issue I have raised many times in committee and on the floor of Seanad Éireann, specifically focusing on dispatch down when turbines are being turned off because of oversupply to the grid. The Minister's confirmation today is very welcome. I have called for this on numerous occasions. Energy Cloud is a great example of using surplus renewable energy. It tops up for free hot water tanks for vulnerable households who are at risk of fuel poverty. There is a great opportunity here. Some €500 million of wasted energy is lost every year.”
“I call on the local authority to engage with the OPW to make arrangements that work for residents in the Crossmolina area in order that this project can be delivered on time but with the support of residents and without too much disruption.”
“Both areas have been enormously impacted in the past due to flooding and both will be addressed with this investment. It is important that we have projects that work with and engage with communities. In fairness, both have been constructive in that way. I highlight and would welcome a discussion with the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, about the flood relief scheme in Crossmolina. In a certain area on the road towards Rakestreet, a number of homeowners will potentially be impacted by road closures. It will involve a major detour to get on the regular route, which many would travel three or four times a day. It will add potentially half an hour to their commute, or more, depending on how many times they travel each day.”
“I join my colleagues and Senators from across the House in congratulating our former colleague, Seán Kyne, on his magnificent election in the by-election. He has been a brilliant colleague to work with over the past 18 months or so and has a wealth of experience that he will return to the Lower House, Dáil Éireann. I congratulate him, his family, and everyone who helped to make it possible. I wish him well. He will definitely be a loss to this House. I raise flood relief schemes and the OPW. In my area of north Mayo, we have seen the benefit of investment in Crossmolina, where the flood relief scheme is progressing very well. The Ballina flood relief scheme, in conjunction with the OPW and Mayo County Council, is also progressing well through all of the different statutory stages that are required.”
“It will be a great addition for clubs and communities around the country. It is very badly needed. We have a very vibrant amateur dramatics scene that will now be able to avail of it. Choral groups will also be able to benefit from the scheme. It is very welcome. I want to give a shout out to Tom Bourke and Bryan Hyland from Westport in County Mayo, who will be rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in aid of the Daisy Lodge in Cong, County Mayo. It is an incredible undertaking, and they have been training for some time. They will raise much-needed funds for such an important cause. I wish them the very best and a safe voyage across the Atlantic. All of us in Mayo are very proud of them.”
“I ask the Minister for sport and the Government to see to it that a fair weighting is applied in order to make sure that areas which do not have proper sporting infrastructure, be it athletics tracks or all-weather pitches, get preferential treatment and support. There are some towns and villages that have a great supply of sporting infrastructure because they have committees and local authorities that are both on the ball and competent in terms of delivering projects. Other places might not benefit because the same skill set does not exist there. It is very important that we have a fair balance in order that no community or area will be left behind when it comes to sporting infrastructure. I would welcome the Leader's support in having this communicated to the powers that be. I reiterate my support for the upcoming arts scheme.”
“This morning, I want to raise the upcoming new round of sports capital grants and the proposed introduction of the arts capital grant. It will be good to have both schemes. The arts capital grant is a new scheme. The sports capital grant benefits every community, town and village throughout the country. I reiterate the point I have made previously about some areas having a low amount of sporting infrastructure. Perhaps an urban area is without all-weather playing fields, for example, AstroTurf pitches, while other parts of a county or area may have an abundance of AstroTurf, athletics tracks and pitches.”
“We should have a lever in place in order that, without too much work, a Minister or Minister of State can make a call very quickly and have something introduced. This is one example in that regard, but we all know that down the line there will be other wars or crises in different countries that will lead to people needing to return to Ireland. In those cases, we need to be ready to make it as easy as possible for them to return and set up their lives again here. It is something we should be prepared for, and I would appreciate the Minister of State's support.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the reply. My motivation here is to make that it as easy as possible for people returning home and for a bit of flexibility to be given to them. I acknowledge the reply and understand it is so important we have safe roads and strong regulations in that way, but we also need to be dynamic, practical and fluid as we were during the invasion of Ukraine in the context of the unrest and ongoing war in the Middle East that have resulted in our citizens being displaced. It is great to see people returning home. We need to be as flexible as possible, so I would welcome it if the Minister of State spoke to the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and the Department about the matter further in order to reiterate the ask.”
“There are so many challenges people face, whether it is trying to get young children into a school, finding a house, and all of those things you need to do to set up and start a life all over again because of what is going on in the Middle East. It is a great opportunity for our diaspora to return home, but in every case we always need to make it as easy as possible for them to set up their lives here again for themselves and their families. I would welcome the Minister of State's consideration on behalf of the Department.”
“Given the fact it is during a time of crisis and there have been examples in the past, like Ukraine, which is not an EU member, where flexibility was allowed for Ukrainians coming here and that was done very quickly and was a practical approach to making life as easy as possible, we need to do the same for our citizens and our citizen's spouses. It is quite a niche area and does not affect a huge number of people, but when it does affect people, it causes a lot of difficulty. I know the Minister of State is here on behalf of the Department of Transport and I thank him for being here but it is something that should be considered and a bit of flexibility and a period of grace should be given to allow people to get set up.”
“I am raising the issue of the challenge that is facing many citizens who are returning and the spouses of those citizens, some who may not be Irish citizens themselves or have an Irish driver's licence themselves but may have an international driver's licence. One case in point is a spouse of a constituent of mine who has a Brazilian driver's licence and a UAE driver's licence, but because of the regulation as it is at the moment, they are not able to drive until they get their full Irish driver's licence. That creates a big challenge for them, so they are basically renting a car and it is costing a lot of money until they can actually get everything ported over. It is a huge financial barrier and challenge for people who are returning.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here this morning. My Commencement matter is quite straightforward. There has been incredible social unrest, and unrest generally, due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, with Israel and the US targeting Iran and the knock-on effect that has had with Iranian missile strikes on a number of countries in the Middle East where we have many of our citizens. Thankfully, many of our citizens are returning home safely. There has been improved connectivity. I acknowledge the Minister, Deputy McEntee, who worked very hard during the early days of the crisis to make sure our citizens returned home safely on a number of flights at a very worrying time.”
“O'Hora was raising much-needed funds for Mayo Mental Health, an organisation that is close to my heart. Many people across Mayo have benefited from the services it offers. It is an incredible achievement that should be recognised. I congratulate them and wish them a safe descent down the mountain and back home to Ireland, where they should get a great welcome for their achievement.”
“I welcome the visitors to the Gallery. Yesterday, I raised the issue of the Irish expeditionary team that was very close to the summit of Mount Everest and had, the previous night, made an attempt. I am glad to report, as others may have seen, that the Irish team reached the summit overnight. The team included Mayo man and former footballer, Pádraig O'Hora, along with Eanna McGowan from Dublin and Adam Sweeney from Waterford, along with the leadership of their team leader, Jason Black. It is an incredible achievement. It is the first time in over 20 years that an Irish team has stood on the summit of Mount Everest. It entailed a huge amount of training and discipline, and a lot of highs and lows and trials and tribulations along the way. I ask for the support of the House in congratulating the team on this amazing feat. Mr.”
“They made their first attempt at the summit last night and are due to have another go this evening. I am hosting guests from Network Ireland Mayo, including the president, Orla Bakeberg. I welcome them to Leinster House. It is great that they have come in just as I am concluding my contribution.”
“I do not see why the same could not be done on a greater scale through battery storage, which could lift the burden off people who are feeling under pressure. It is a practical proposal. I would welcome consideration of it by the Minister and the Government generally. It would be a very good concept to help ease the burden for people who are under pressure financially and would move away from the ongoing knee-jerk reaction to the cost-of-living measures to a longer form approach. In my remaining time, I would like to acknowledge Pádraig O’Hora, who is just off the summit of Mount Everest at the moment, along with Éanna McGowan and Adam Sweeney. Pádraig is a Mayo man, a Ballina man, who is raising much-needed funds for Mayo Mental Health Association.”
“I would like to raise the opportunity that we have to realise the oversupply of wind energy across Ireland. As we know, at certain times, especially at night-time, there is an oversupply. Some €500 million worth of wind energy is wasted every year, which means a huge amount is left uncaptured. I am calling for consideration of grant supports for battery storage for residential units at night-time rates, perhaps at the EV rate. Where there is an oversupply of electricity, it provides a great opportunity for households to capture that oversupply so it is not wasted. That can reduce people's electricity bills. It is a very simple concept. It has already been used in a smaller way by EnergyCloud, which is topping up people’s hot water tanks with a free fill because of oversupply.”
“It is important they have support such as expenses they may receive to be in line with inflation. That is something that has been raised by the Garda Representative Association. Finally, the importance of the accountability within the force itself is an issue that has been raised recently. Gardaí are not above the law and it is important that when instances arise of internal matters, they are supported and are dealt with, in particular that women gardaí are protected and supported in cases that may arise where their safety is threatened internally as well.”
“As has been mentioned, there was the good suggestion of the administrative burden being taken away from those who can be out and about and on the beat as a presence on streets and in communities. They provide great dignity, even at times of funerals. I have seen recently in my home town the presence gardaí provide. Whether it is a festival, a happy occasion or a sad occasion, they are there and they make our communities safe and vibrant. It is important to ensure it is an attractive job. It has become less attractive to become a member of the force especially in recent years. We see that with the agitation online, the doxing of gardaí and the intimidation that is being caused. We need to be very strong to support and defend their integrity, identity and privacy.”
“However, I have long been an advocate, through joint policing committees, which are now known as local community safety partnerships, of supporting An Garda Síochána, and particularly the community policing model, which is an excellent model. An Garda Síochána are the guardians of the peace, are touchpoints in rural isolated areas and are a presence and a security for people who are vulnerable and feel unsafe. My sister is a long-serving member of An Garda Síochána and we are proud of the contribution she has made in our family. The community policing model is something we need to have rolled out to every corner of the country in rural and urban areas.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here and I thank my colleagues for putting forward such an important Private Members' motion. Like Senator Cathal Byrne, I wish to first acknowledge the fallen heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in service to the State. The gardaí from my home county of Mayo are Garda Brian MacNeill, Garda Henry Gerard Byrne, Detective John Morley, Garda Robert McCallion, Detective Garda Colm Horkan, and fellow Ballina man, Garda Anthony Golden. Some of these gave the ultimate sacrifice against dissident republicanism and domestic terrorism. Murders and terrorism have been mentioned, as have potential supporters coming to Dublin, but we must also be mindful that we have a duty to protect our own gardaí across the country.”
“It has been raised with me on the doors and by friends who are trying to buy an apartment or a home and are encountering a process whereby the asking price is just a hook to get people engaged in a process. It raises and then dashes people's hopes because the final price for purchasing the home is far greater than the initial asking price. I would welcome if the Minister considered my proposal, which would be welcomed by people trying to buy their forever home.”
“This creates huge stress and pressure for people as there is a lack of clarity on how much it will cost to buy a forever home. People engage with mortgage providers thinking they can afford to buy a home at a certain asking price but when they begin to engage in the process, they are constantly outbid. If an asking price is communicated to someone selling residential property, it would be logical and fair that it be agreed and protected for a period of 90 days, for example, in order to protect people going through the mortgage process or trying to buy a home. I would welcome a debate on this proposal with the Minister for housing to consider and discuss it further. It would require support from the Government.”
“I, too, welcome the visitors to the Gallery. Knocking on doors in both Dublin and Galway in recent weeks has been very useful to keep abreast of different challenges facing people and keep the finger on the pulse. As we know, one of the great issues of the day is housing. One of the suggestions that was raised with me, and one I would like the Minister for housing and the Government generally to consider, relates to the whole process of buying a home where first-time buyers and others trying to purchase a forever home enter into a competition with no clear end in sight in terms of the final asking price. In other countries around Europe the asking price is the asking price and it is acceptable to the seller. Once it is reached, the deal is done, whereas here in Ireland the process is different and there is a constant bidding war.”
“Having the media in attendance can demonstrate that there is active representation on behalf of concerned communities on the policing-related matters of the day.”
“It is very important, out of public interest, that members of communities understand that their issues, concerns and voices are being heard in respect of policing-related matters. Ensuring that this happens really oxygenates democracy. Without the media's attendance, things can be misconstrued in terms of these meetings. I would welcome it if the Minister could make a decision on and give direction in respect of this matter for all local safety partnerships across the country. There is ambiguity at the moment. The partnership in Mayo has decided not to have the media in attendance. My view is that the media should be included. That would benefit the councillors who are working hard on the ground in communities. Sometimes, they are not credited for the work that they do.”
“I call on the Minister for justice, Jim O'Callaghan, to provide some clarity regarding the local safety partnerships that were established following the bringing to an end of the joint policing committees. I was a member of Mayo's joint policing committee for a number of years and found it to be an excellent forum to discuss policing-related issues in a very constructive, community-led way. In Mayo - I believe it is the same in other counties - there is a lack of clarity around the attendance of the media at meetings of the local safety partnerships, which is creating a lot of discontent locally. I respect the full authority of the partnerships' decision in this regard, but my view is that the media should have access to these meetings across the country.”
“The more fishermen work together and unite around broad supports from the Government, the better the outcome it for themselves and for us, as their representatives. I thank the Minister of State again for being here and I look forward to his reply and perhaps clarification on some of the technicalities of the conversation this afternoon.”
“Perhaps the Minister of State or BIM could have discretion to make sure in particular cases that people are not left behind and that there is accommodation. We need to support the sector. Fishermen and women feel conscious of the ongoing decline against a backdrop of increasing costs. This is a great opportunity to let them know that we have their back, support them and want to make sure the livelihoods and traditions they have passed down from generation to generation in these coastal communities are supported and protected. In my county, Mayo, I work very closely with the inshore sector to make sure those within it are accommodated and supported. I have been fighting hard for them. I thank the Minister of State for his time in listening to these conversations and our advocacy on behalf of the sector.”
“Can we have a scheme that is flexible and empathetic to the practicalities of each fisherman or fisherwoman and make sure they are all catered for and we do not leave people behind? I know there needs to be rules and this needs to be black and white, but there needs to be a little bit of grey in between to make sure that everyone is covered. In 2025, some people may or may not have fished for whatever reason, so it may be in 2024 when they were more active, and this year, in the summer, they may be planning to increase activity again, for whatever reason. Again, I ask that the scope of the scheme include a bit of flexibility and understanding. Whether the black and the white of the scheme is made clear, there should be an appeals mechanism and a little bit of discretion.”
“They have been threatened and are at risk of decline because of reductions in quotas, generational renewal, depopulation and different threats that have entered the market, whether because of Brexit or increased costs. This most recent shock to the sector, the fuel crisis, urgently needs addressing. I welcome the proposals and the commitment to support those in need. There are about 1,400 vessels in the country. I know the Minister of State mentioned that 800 of them are active but I reiterate what has already been mentioned. First, fishermen and fisherwomen who have boats, because of the small outboard engines that they go to the local fuel station for, may not have as many receipts.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here for this very important discussion about vital supports needed for the fisheries sector. Since taking over as Minister of State, he has inherited many challenges in the sector. I thank him and acknowledge the work he has done on behalf of the sector and the support he has given Senators right across the House and Oireachtas Members generally. It has been an incredibly difficult time for the fisheries sector. Recently, Senators O'Donovan and Boyle and I hosted a discussion on the future of fisheries in the audiovisual room. It was a very constructive meeting with contributions from every sector affected. There is great generational heritage in the coastal communities along our coastline.”
“He is very passionate about this matter on behalf of members of his community who have approached him. I see this in my home county of Mayo where people who are under pressure come into my office every week. There are good supports available through community welfare officers and Intreo offices, but a broad relief like the one proposed would have a very positive impact. I thank the Minister of State for considering this matter this morning.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her reply. The improvements and advancements in health outcomes in Ireland have been incredible. I know we give the HSE and the health service a fair bashing at times, but the advancements and improvements, including improved access to healthcare for the whole population, have been incredibly pronounced. That being said, in a cost-of-living crisis, consideration should be given in the next budget to further reducing the maximum payment. I ask for further engagement with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to try to relieve the burden of these costs, which are, as I said, non-discretionary. They are life-saving and critical to those who pay in and need them. I acknowledge the work of Councillor Ben Ward in County Carlow.”
“Councillor Ward has written to the Tánaiste and Taoiseach about this matter, on which he is a very passionate advocate on behalf of many constituents in his area who have felt the pressure of the cost of living. The proposal is budgeted to cost approximately €45 million out of a €27 billion budget for health. I would welcome it being given consideration. There are demands across all Departments but, as I said, this would help vulnerable people. Spending on essential life-saving medication is not discretionary. The proposed reduction would ease the burden on people who are under pressure and have a profound positive impact. I would welcome if the Minister gave it consideration.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here. My Commencement matter arises from work I have done with Councillor Ben Ward in Tullow, County Carlow. I have also worked with Senators Garret Ahearn, Maria Byrne, Garret Kelleher and P. J. Murphy on this issue. We are making a clear request for a reduction in the maximum payment under the drugs payment scheme, DPS, from €80 to €60 in budget 2027. I know that budgets are finite, but there is a commitment in the programme for Government to explore a reduction in the maximum payment. The people affected are in difficult medical situations and perhaps have long-term illnesses. In a time when the cost of living is high, we need to try to take away some of the pain of essential costs, such as medical bills.”
“Finally, in terms of supports for individual homeowners who are feeling the pressure, we need to do everything we can, whether that is extending the fuel allowance or supporting full energy retrofits and upgrades. The latter can make a marked difference in decarbonising the economy and reducing bills for those most affected.”
“In Ireland we import 80% of our gas and have limited storage beyond a couple of days. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, discussed this in the House earlier today. They spoke about broadening that up to around 90 days of storage, which would be very important because we are importing 80% of our gas, with only 20% coming from the Corrib gas field off the coast of Mayo. There is huge potential there to do more and to give us more of the independence that we need. We need to mitigate the vulnerabilities that are there at the moment. When we see dictators and aggressors weaponising energy and using it to threaten and undermine other states, it reiterates the importance of us as an island nation making sure that we can stand on our own two feet as much as possible.”
“It is something that we need to consider strategically, to make sure that we have storage capture ability for our towns and villages in order that we can benefit from that wasted energy. The State should consider this and ensure that we have reduced costs and more independence at times of crisis. Just last year during Storm Éowyn we saw our vulnerabilities, with power outages going on for weeks in some cases. We need to think in the short term about immediate supports to keep the economy moving and the supply chains undisrupted and unaffected as much as possible. We also need to allow these moments to reiterate the critical need for improvement in our grid infrastructure and the critical importance of having strong renewable energy projects that benefit local communities and the country, backed up by gas reserves.”
“We are all in politics and we all knock on doors. We often see different types of living standards. Some people are really under a lot of pressure and are in need of support. The full retrofit of homes is an incredibly positive scheme. It has led to a marked improvement in reducing costs for people and improving air quality in homes. That scheme needs to be broadened as much as possible. The deregulation of solar energy over the past number of years has led to very positive improvements along with measures like the EnergyCloud, which gives people a tank of hot water overnight. When there is an oversupply of electricity that the grid cannot take, EnergyCloud can kick in. This is a good example. A total of €450 million a year is wasted on unused energy because the grid cannot handle it.”
“As has been outlined, the intervention was made in a reactionary way to respond to a real and existential crisis that many operators faced because of the pressures of price hikes. There must be an immediate response, which there has been with a further detail announced today across the agriculture and transport sectors. We also need to make sure that we take the long-term view to be more energy independent ourselves through the harnessing of our natural resources, be that wind, more gas reserves off the coast of County Mayo, where I am from, where there is untapped potential in the Inishkea fields or be it supporting homeowners individually, like has been done, by targeting the most vulnerable who are in receipt of a fuel allowance to a 100% retrofit of their homes. It is a substantial scheme that is helping the most vulnerable.”