We had an extensive conversation concerning the obvious dangers of AI but more so the positives, the innovation and productivity of the technology and its absolute necessity from an enterprise point of view. We also spoke about the fact that digital literacy is an issue. I agree with the last two speakers. It is very important that the advisory council is fit for purpose and the Government has in-house AI capacity. Beyond that, would the Minister of State also support having a special Oireachtas committee to deal with this issue? We must get to grips with AI and I am not sure we have all the capacity in this House necessary now. More needs to be done.

Sentiment score: 0.31

We are way over time. Quickly.

Sentiment score: 0.00

87. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the engagement there has been with ESB Networks and other relevant State agencies on the issue of building resilience into the electricity grid, post Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6004/25]

Sentiment score: 0.16

Unfortunately, it sounds like we have the correct weather for the sort of question I am going to ask. A huge number of people were impacted by the recent Storm Éowyn. Huge damage was done. I get that the Minister could not mitigate against all of that but we were all talking about resilience. What engagement has there been between by the Minister, the Department and the Government - I know it is beyond ESB in that regard - about building in resilience? As regards the threats to the consumer in dealing with this cost, Paddy Hayes rowed back from that but we need to ensure that will not be the case.

Sentiment score: 0.17

I think everyone would welcome engagement, and some would wish this engagement had happened previously, particularly on issues relating to forestry, corridors and the very infrastructure. We know the other failures regarding the grid. I would like to think those engagements were also happening with Uisce Éireann and other bodies. We have seen the issues caused for a huge number of people. Some constituencies were hit a hell of a lot worse than mine but even at that we had particular issues. One example in the Hackballscross area was an ongoing issue regarding Uisce Éireann and a pump station. It was impacted longer than it should have been. It is about making sure we get to the bottom of all of this, that we make a proper assessment, that we ensure the action is taken and that the customer does not have to bear the cost. These are the people who suffered due to some work that should have been done previously.

Sentiment score: 0.09