Niamh Smyth
Cavan-Monaghan · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I thank Senator Higgins for speaking to this amendment and Senator Stephenson for putting it forward. I fully agree on the importance of co-operation and co-ordination between competent authorities in the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act.”
“63 would reduce the current period of 14 working days to a period of no more than seven days. The purpose of section 49 is to balance regulatory intervention with fair procedures.”
“I am going to take time after this debate to look at the Instagram account the Deputy raised today to see for myself. I do not disbelieve the Deputy. It upsets me so much to see that is allowed. Where is the monitoring of it?”
“These are: prohibited practices under Article 5; serious incidents reported under Article 73; high-risk AI systems referred to in annexe III in accordance with Article 49(5); and any other AI-related incidents or notifications required to be reported under the regulation.”
“The Government will continue to benefit from the expertise of the office in the deployment and implementation of AI-related policy and regulation.”
“I know that when you go to public meetings like those in question, there are tough stories from parents and you may feel a little inadequate sometimes in being able to deal with these things as quickly as possible. I am glad the Deputies used their time here today to make the presentation and to campaign for the parents.”
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“I will begin by thanking colleagues around the House for their understanding that I could not be here at the very beginning of the debate. I also thank the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, for taking the reins. I thank colleagues who made contributions here today, which were all very heartfelt. This week has shown how we can react and respond. It is not just about reacting. I will take up a couple of the points that were made here today in a more nuanced way. We have three laws in place in this country that I believe are very robust. We have Coco's Law, the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act. These laws provide that this activity is not allowed to continue. These laws make very clear that, in this country, it is illegal to create, possess, disseminate or share these images.”
“Pathways to Work, as a national employment strategy, addresses the key targets, as the Deputy has laid out. The key target strategy includes: supporting 75,000 long-term unemployed into employment by May and reducing long-term unemployment by 2.5% of the labour force by 2025; reducing youth unemployment to below its 2019 average of 12.5%; ensuring better labour market outcomes for those most at risk of poverty, including lone parents and people with disabilities; and improving labour market transitions by reducing the rate at which the newly employed progress into longer-term employment. I acknowledge there is a challenge and a difficulty. However, it is fair to say that the strategies are in place and are a key target for us.”
“The CSO has told us that the 15- to 24-year-old age group accounts for 15% of employment, a ratio that is unchanged in a decade, although that is not to say it is acceptable. However, the same cohort now accounts for nearly one third of unemployment, up a quarter from a decade ago. With regard to graduates or educational attainment, for those aged 15 to 24, unemployment has increased by 9,500 persons but the vast majority of this was accounted for by those with levels of education at secondary level or below.”
“I thank the Deputy. As she will hear in my response, I acknowledge the fact, laid out in the CSO data, that there is a clear rise in youth unemployment, with the unemployment rate pertaining to young people between the ages of 15 and 24 having risen to 14% in quarter 3 of 2025 from 11.5% a year previously. This compares to a more modest rise in unemployment among our older cohort, from 3.4% to 3.9% among those aged 25 to 74. I acknowledge that. However, there is a strong underlying demographic effect within the labour force survey numbers, reflecting high inflows into the labour force from those born in 2007. The employment rate of those aged 15 to 24 years is more volatile and subject to seasonal fluctuations.”
“In fact, the Department has concluded public consultation on this as we look to develop a new strategy. The programme for Government was clear on our ambition here, which is to create 300,000 additional jobs by 2030.”
“Ireland’s youth unemployment rate, at 14% as of December, is well below the rates of our European peers, namely 15.2% in the EU and 14.8% in the euro area. That said, we are continuing to monitor the unemployment rate. Several of the Government’s initiatives will be central in this regard, not least our ambitious investment plans and, of course, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, published last year by the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. The Government remains fully committed to improving our competitive position to add more jobs in the future. The action plan has a range of measures to address and build a more resilient economy. Another important document will be the successor strategy to Pathways to Work 2021-2025, which is overseen by the Department of Social Protection.”
“I thank the Deputy very much for her important question. The programme for Government sets out a strong enterprise and fiscal framework that prioritises economic and employment growth and competitiveness. I am pleased to report that the Irish labour market saw sustained employment growth, rising labour force participation and record job numbers last year, indicative of a resilient performance. In total, over 2.8 million people are now employed in Ireland, with employment up 61,500 on average in the first nine months of the year and with the pace of job creation slowing as the year progressed. Ireland’s labour market performance compares very favourably with the performances of our European counterparts.”
“I thank the Senator and accept his proposal. We need the numbers, we need the practitioners and we have to diversify and look more broadly at how we can recruit and ensure that even when we recruit dentists from other countries we maintain a practice that is of the same standard as that of the pathways in education here. I will reflect the Senator's thoughts, views and suggestions to the Minister for Health following this debate.”
“The standard of the examination is designed to maintain the integrity of the register of dentists in the best interests of patients. The involvement of representatives from each of the dental schools in the design, delivery and management of the examination maintains the direct linkage between the standards underpinning the examination and the standards expected of dental graduates in Ireland.”
“The specific dates of part 1 and part 2 of the examination will be confirmed as soon as possible with candidates who have been awarded a place. For the 2026 sitting of the Dental Council exam, applications can be received at any time during the week of 12 to 16 January 2026. The Dental Council is not currently planning to introduce an additional registration pathway or to change the existing pathways for non-EEA qualification holders. It is important to note the Dental Council examination is an assessment of suitability for registration to practice dentistry in Ireland where applicants have already undertaken a dental qualification in a non-EEA country and it is not an examination at the end of a course of study. It is a broad-spectrum assessment of a candidate’s competence at a point in time to safely practice dentistry in Ireland.”
“This pathway includes a mentorship programme whereby refugee dentists can practice under the mentorship of an established registered dentist. To avail of this registration pathway, you must be a qualified dentist with current temporary protection or refugee status in Ireland. The Dental Council has opened this process to any refugee granted international protection in Ireland. For applicants who qualified outside of the EEA and do not have refugee status or temporary protection in Ireland the appropriate pathway to registration is the Dental Council examination. This is a two-part exam that takes place annually. Part 1 of the exam typically take place in March or April each year and part 2 typically takes place in June or July.”
“For all applicants for full registration, bar those granted international protection, the key criteria in determining their registration pathway is the country where the applicant undertook their dental education. There are a number of different registration pathways including those for Irish graduates and graduates from countries with which we have reciprocal agreements, graduates from the EEA who are entitled to automatic recognition or assessment under the professional qualifications directive, graduates from the UK and of course graduates from non-EEA countries. In addition to this, the Dental Council introduced a registration pathway for refugees in response to the EU Commission’s request to assess the qualifications from refugees from the war in Ukraine.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this really important question. He raises a much broader issue in terms of the number of dentists we have working in Ireland. Unfortunately, I have been at the end of those calls to the constituency office too. There are so many parents out there super keen to get their kids looked at by the primary care services dentist and we do not have the numbers we need at the moment. I will give the Senator the answer from the Department so he is fully informed. I hope it can be shared with him in full as well. The Dentists Act 1985 established the Dental Council as the regulatory body for the dental profession in Ireland. As such, issues concerning the registration of dentists are a matter for the Dental Council to consider.”
“As I said, I will certainly reflect the Senator's thoughts and views to the Minister for Health. I will support her in any way I can. It is a common-sense approach to policy to protect the most vulnerable. As the Senator said, we have just four allergists for a population of our size. Unfortunately, this is on the increase. We know many people who are intolerant of various food products and ingredients, which can have fatal consequences, as the Senator outlined. I appreciate that the Senator is starting a campaign. I congratulate her on her audiovisual room presentation today. It had a powerful impact on everybody across the House who attended. As I said, I will reflect her views and thoughts to the Minister for Health after this debate.”
“The Senator has a copy of the answer, which is comprehensive. As I said, it does not give the answer that the Senator wants. Nonetheless, I commend her on starting the campaign for the rollout of EpiPens. I will reflect her views, thoughts and suggestions to the Minister for Health following this debate.”
“Community pharmacies are among the most accessible and trusted healthcare providers in Ireland. The State recognises the importance of pharmacies being prepared to administer these medicines safely and effectively. This is reflected in the community pharmacy agreement 2025, which establishes an emergency medicine administration preparedness allowance that recognises that community pharmacists are authorised to administer emergency medicines. It is deeply sad that this did not happen in the case on O’Connell Street outlined by the Senator. This service is provided on an ad hoc basis, requiring pharmacists to be trained and ready to respond. The Minister for Health has agreed that an annual recurring allowance of €525 will be made available to community pharmacy contractors, commencing in 2026. I am out of time.”
“The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland provides guidance on the implementation of this amendment for pharmacists, and the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council has established a course for the education and training of persons to safely and competently administer adrenaline in an emergency. There is a responsibility to ensure that medications are stored and administered safely and appropriately. Those with a known risk of anaphylaxis should carefully follow their doctor’s guidance regarding carrying an EpiPen on the person. However, we know it is not always the case that people carry an EpiPen. As the Senator has rightly and eloquently outlined, emergencies do happen. These situations can occur because people do not know the allergies they have. In 2024, pharmacists administered adrenaline in emergency situations on 365 occasions.”
“In October 2015, the then Minister for Health signed the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2015 into effect. The regulations increase access to specified prescription-only medicines in an emergency, including adrenaline. This allows for the administration of adrenaline for known or suspected anaphylaxis to be administered by trained members of the public in emergency situations, without the need for a prescription. Of note, there is provision for organisations such as schools and workplaces to store these medications for administration by a trained person.”
“The team aims to improve the quality of life for children with allergies and their carers to minimise the risk of allergy, promote food allergy prevention and provide Irish healthcare professionals with allergy educational resources. CHI has advised that there is currently no timeline for the rollout of oral immunotherapy services for the treatment of children living with allergies in Ireland. That is not what the Senator wants to hear but, to be fair to her, she has started the campaign. I have no doubt that I and the Minister for Health will be here in front of her on many other occasions. This is how things get done: by starting a campaign to ensure there is a planned roll-out of treatment and care for young people.”
“It is important to note that most allergic reactions are mild and can be kept under control. Severe reactions can occur, but these are rare. GPs can help to diagnose an allergy, and in the case of a mild allergy, they can offer advice and treatment to help to manage the condition. They may also refer to an allergy specialist for testing and treatment if the allergy is severe or the cause is not known. The allergy team at CHI runs clinics out of CHI at Crumlin and Temple Street, as well as CHI at Connolly and Tallaght. The team deals with allergy prevention and diagnosis, along with treatment for allergy rhinitis, and drug, venom and vaccine allergies.”
“I also congratulate the Senator. I am sorry that I was not in a position to attend on Tuesday. This is an issue I am not very familiar with. The Senator has certainly presented a very strong case today. We all have issues to raise but the Senator has also provided solutions. We think of that girl on O'Connell Street, who knew what had happened to her and knew her symptoms, but, because of policy, the pharmacist was afraid to administer the EpiPen. It is awful. I will be taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I thank Senator Ní Chuilinn for the opportunity to address the House on this important issue. More than one in four people in Europe suffer the effects of an allergy at some point in their lives, and it is particularly common in children.”
“The Department's plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity and progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money and meets functional needs.”
“In addition, over 200 SEN repurposing projects have been delivered, maximising the use of existing accommodation while creating opportunities for inclusion and integration. I might add that said inclusion should include the Irish language as well. Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. Supplementary capital funding of €210 million, approved by the Government, has brought the total capital allocation for the Department of Education and Youth for this year to €1.6 billion. All Departments are expected to publish their sectoral NDP implementation plans in November.”
“I have just made a note to ask the Minister if we can get clarity on the 80 schools involved and if the school in question is included. I am sure there will be lots of competition to be in the 80, but this is the only Gaelscoil in the area. Of course, we know the demand for and the pressures to provide accommodation for children with additional needs. This is an inclusive school. Encompassing that in its plans puts its application head and shoulders above those from other schools in the context of the fact that it does so much for everybody within the local community. Since 2020, the Department of Education and Youth has invested over €6 billion in schools throughout the country under the NDP, involving the completion of over 1,300 school projects.”
“The approach to rolling out large-scale projects and additional school accommodation scheme projects will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and to provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project roll-out over the course of the period 2026 to 2030 to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs. It is planned that circa 80 school building projects will progress to construction across 2026 and 2027 as part of a two-year rolling programme. Considering what the Senator has said, and as this is the only Gaelscoil in Sligo, it surely must be given priority.”
“The meeting concluded with a request for the design team to submit a stage 2A addendum report addressing issues raised by the Department at the meeting. That report was received recently and is currently being reviewed by the Department. Upon review of the report, the Department will advise all stakeholders regarding the further progression of the project. In July, the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026 to 2030 under the national development plan. As part of this allocation, the Department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs.”
“The major building project is currently at stage 2A of architectural planning, developed design, where the preferred agreed design option can be developed to a stage where the project is fully costed and planned and the scheme can be prepared to lodge for statutory approvals with the local authority. The Senator went through a very detailed summary of the history of all the various stages, so I am sure none of this is new to her. The Department of Education and Youth has reviewed the stage 2A submission from the design team. The stage 2A stakeholders meeting was held on 2 July 2025, with representatives from the school authorities, the design team and the Department and the project manager in attendance.”
“I thank Senator Cosgrove for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth, who cannot be with us today, to outline to the Seanad the current position in relation to the major building project for Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, Sligo. This project is included in the Department of Education and Youth’s construction programme, which will be delivered under the national development plan as part of the Project Ireland 2040 framework. The brief for this project is the development on a greenfield site of a new 12-classroom primary school with additional classrooms for pupils with special additional needs.”
“I thank Senator Cosgrove for raising this important project. This is the only Gaelscoil in County Sligo. These are projects that should absolutely be supported, nourished and given every bit of support, both financial and leadership-wise, to ensure they get done. I appreciate and feel for the principal, who is obviously the person who has championed this for many years. I am lucky because in County Monaghan where we have four Gaelscoileanna, but they are not without their challenges in terms of getting them across the line and getting boots on the ground. It is important for Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré in Sligo.”
“In terms of the Senator's practical suggestions regarding the Nigerian ambassador, I will most certainly as the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy McEntee, and the Taoiseach to follow up on both Senator's suggestions.”
“The connection with St. Mary's, which was alluded to regarding the nun from Donegal, does give us an extra role of responsibility in supporting, as an Irish Government, in this time of strife. Nigerian political figures regularly pay tribute to the role of Irish missionaries in the development of the country, particularly in the education and health sectors. I express my appreciation for the role missionaries have played in supporting the education of so many children across Nigeria. I assure both Senators that the Government is committed to working alongside all relevant partners and with the Nigerian authorities to support St. Mary's School and all those affected by this gravely concerning situation. We will continue to prioritise strengthening peace and security in Nigeria and the broader region.”
“The President's decision not to attend the G20 Summit and the AU-EU Summit is indicative of the extent of the security issues being faced and the intent of the President to address these. As Members will be well aware, Ireland has a long history in Nigeria, not least through the work of many Irish missionaries. I am aware in particular of the close links of Irish missionaries to St. Mary's School, and both Senators outlined that very eloquently this morning. Our ambassador and our team at the Irish embassy are liaising closely, and at a high level, with relevant contacts in Nigeria and are continuously monitoring the situation. The team there is liaising closely with EU colleagues on the ground. People-to-people ties between Ireland and Nigeria date back to the early 19th century when Irish missionaries first arrived in Nigeria.”
“Ireland, bilaterally and as a member state of the EU, works with the Nigerian authorities and with UN and international partners to promote peace and security in areas affected by armed groups and insecurity. The severity of last Friday’s event and the severe escalation in violent attacks and mass kidnappings which has been experienced in Nigeria over recent weeks has been recognised by the Government of Nigeria. We understand that all efforts are being made to locate and secure the release of the abducted students and staff members of St. Mary's School. The recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers, announced by the President of Nigeria is welcome, as are plans by the federal government to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.”
“Mary's are very young, of primary school age, and I know I am not alone in expressing my grave concern for their welfare. The news that 50 of the children escaped and have been safely returned to their families is most welcome, and my sincere hope is that the remaining 253 schoolchildren and 12 staff members will be swiftly reunited with their families. I am thinking of the parents and loved ones of all those taken. Their worry and anguish is unimaginable. Many parts of Nigeria, particularly rural and semi-urban areas, do not have a significant police presence, which makes the task of providing security to populations in those areas challenging.”
“Gabhaim buíochas le gach duine. I share in both Senators' horror at what has happened to these beautiful little children and their teaching staff. I thank the Senators for raising this important issue and share the deep concern they expressed at the horrific news of the large-scale abduction of over 300 children and 12 teachers from St. Mary's Catholic school in Nigeria last Friday. I also acknowledge separate abductions of school children which have happened in recent weeks. Unfortunately, this is not something new in Nigeria. I welcome the news on Tuesday of the release of 24 children recently abducted from a separate school in Kebbi state. First and foremost, my thoughts are with the abducted children and teachers from St. Mary's. The majority of the children who were abducted from St.”
“I also have significant concerns that the key measures within the Bill would jeopardise the State's ability to roll-out renewable energy and meet its legally binding targets in that regard. Accordingly, I wish to confirm that the Government proposes a timed amendment of 12 months.”
“It is important to recognise that there has been opposition to wind energy developments from some communities due to concerns in relation to the scale of proposed developments and the perceived potential impacts. The updated national planning statement will aim to adopt a more balanced approach to addressing local community concerns while also facilitating the roll-out of wind energy development to assist in meeting Ireland's renewable energy targets. This balanced approach is considered more appropriate given current climate concerns and the approach outlined in the Bill. In conclusion, as my colleague outlined in his speech, many of the provisions in the Bill are already being addressed in the context of the ongoing review of the existing wind guidelines.”
“There is a need to develop as much onshore renewable energy capacity as possible in the coming years. The proposed restrictions in the Bill are also inconsistent with the work being undertaken by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on accelerating infrastructure delivery and the expected report with recommendations on same that is due to be brought to Government shortly. There is an increasingly urgent need to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure, including to ensure that our energy supply and networks can support the additional demands placed on them by the State's continued economic growth.”
“As such, it is considered that the planning policy and the legislative framework is in place to enable planning authorities and the board to make decisions on planning applications in respect of wind energy developments, in line with our planning and sustainable development, pending the finalisation of the revised national planning statement. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is satisfied that the existing and evolving planning system, supported by the Government policy more generally, provides a sufficiently robust policy and legislative framework to facilitate the roll-out of renewable energy development in a sustainable manner and to assist with meeting our needs of renewable energy requirements while balancing the perspective of local communities and allowing for public and stakeholder engagement.”
“The Government is confident that, while the review is being finalised and the planning system is capable of assessing applications for wind for wind energy development, connection proposals for wind energy development are subject to the same statutory requirements as other forms of proposed development. In making decisions on planning applications for any type of development, including wind energy development, any planning authority or board, as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The 2006 wind energy guidelines remain in force and planning authorities and the board must have regard to these guidelines in the performance of their functions.”
“I thank the Deputies for their contributions. It has been a very thought-provoking, pragmatic and respectful debate and I very much appreciate that. I commend Deputy Stanley on raising the matter and the work that he has put into this Bill. I appreciate that it is an area that generates a lot of interest and debate across the country. The Government believes in the importance of public participation within our planning system. Any draft national planning statement, NPS, will be put out to public consultation, whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations. The finalised NPS will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of submissions received during the consultation phase.”
“The forthcoming national planning statement, NPS, will provide the processes and policies that provide for appropriate regulation of new wind energy development proposals as well as compliance with existing and future national, EU and international renewable energy policies and targets.”
“It is imperative that a robust and up-to-date policy is provided that will take account of the evolving policy and legislative context of the technological progress of the past decades and of the informed decisions of stakeholders and the public itself. To conclude, Ireland currently has over 5 GW in onshore wind generation with a target of 9 GW provided for in the climate action plan and national planning framework by 2030. Meeting our national targets for wind energy will require further integration of renewable technologies in an appropriate manner and in full consultation with local communities.”
“In addition to the work on the noise aspect of the draft national planning statement, the changing and continuously evolving policy and technical context, including the 2024 Act and the revision of the national planning framework, NPF, reinforces the need to ensure that the finalised guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose. Both of these contain important changes that wind policy must be cognisant of, as well as European obligations such as the renewable energies directive and other environmental considerations. Work is under way to formulate wind guidelines into the draft national planning statement, which will then be environmentally assessed and informed by a public consultation that will inform the final version submitted to Government for approval and implementation across the tiers of the planning system.”
“Since the conclusion of the public consultation in February 2020, work on the technical noise elements of the revised guidelines has caused a delay in their finalisation. Ongoing work in relation to the noise elements of the draft guidelines has necessitated a substantial rewrite of the noise guidance issued for public consultation to both simplify the approach and to present it in a manner that is more easily understood and implemented by developers and planning authorities. In this regard, the Department of housing, in conjunction with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, in the context of its environmental noise, climate and renewable energy policy remit, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspects of the guidelines, which is highly technical in nature. This work is substantially completed.”
“Chapters 1 and 4 of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 came into effect on 2 October 2025, which provided the statutory basis for the national planning framework and regional, spatial and economic strategies and introduced provisions for the national planning statement. The national planning statement replaces section 28 planning guidance, which the previous wind energy guidelines issued. Therefore, the revised wind guidelines, once finalised, will issue as a national planning statement under the 2024 Act. Further to this, in light of the evolving policy and legislative framework, there is a need to ensure the national planning statement is fit for purpose while having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to matters raised by Deputy Stanley’s Bill.”
“The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the guidelines, including setback distance, as well as in relation to noise, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections. The aim of the review is to strike an appropriate balance between addressing the concerns of local communities by ensuring greater and earlier community engagement by wind energy developers while maintaining Ireland’s ability to deliver on its binding climate and renewable energy policy obligations. While the review of the guidelines has been ongoing for a number of years now, which the Deputy eloquently outlined too, significant progress has been made towards concluding the review process.”
“We are committed to the continued sustainable deployment of onshore wind across our region in line with the allocations set out in the national planning framework and supported by strong community engagement, community benefits and planning guidance through a national planning statement. I will explain the planning context more fully in a moment. As Deputy Stanley and many Members of the House will be aware, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 wind energy guidelines, which will inform a new national planning statement under the new Planning and Development Act 2024.”
“Ireland is a world leader in the deployment of wind energy, and its integration into our grid and the continued delivery of wind energy onshore and offshore is essential to safeguarding energy security and to supply affordable energy to our homes and businesses. Through the accelerated renewable electricity task force and the offshore wind delivery task force, the Government is committed to a strong delivery programme for onshore and offshore renewables and to supporting infrastructure to ensure there is a clean and flexible energy supply that keeps pace with economic growth and meets growing demand for electricity from new homes, the electrification of heat and transport and from large energy users.”
“The programme for Government has reaffirmed Ireland’s target of 80% of electricity demand to be met by renewables in the near future, with plans to move to a net-zero situation by 2050. The speedy deployment of renewable electricity is our energy insurance policy and the foundation for Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. The accelerated delivery of infrastructure is a major Government priority and our renewable energy programme is central to that. Regarding the role of wind, we have a target of 9 GW of installed capacity provided for in the climate action plan and the national planning framework to be achieved by 2030.”