I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate today. The Finance Bill before the House is a reminder of how exposed we are as a country to fluctuations in global fuel markets. While I fully support the measures being discussed today, they are but a temporary solution to a longer term problem. To deal with it, we need to consider longer term measures. To build energy independence, we need to look closer to home for the changes that are required. The last budget extended the €400 tax exemption on income earned by households from selling electricity back to the grid to December 2028. That was a welcome step but it is just that - a step. Households that make the leap to solar panels should be further supported through an increase in that exemption. As solar becomes more advanced, many households can now expect to export more than €400 to the grid each year. However, upfront installation costs remain high and act as a disincentive. Raising the exemption to €800 would send a clear signal to households that investing in solar is practical, supported by us, attractive and worthwhile. Alongside panels, batteries are becoming more advanced and more affordable. When we add a battery to our solar PV system, we unlock a whole range of extra benefits, from greater energy independence to lower bills and protection in the event of a blackout. Locally, a 5 kWh battery costs between €1,700 and €3,000, with larger capacities more expensive still. Unlike PV panels, there is no grant available for batteries, meaning the upfront cost is out of the reach of many ordinary households. We should look to incentivise the purchase of batteries. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has acknowledged that battery storage solutions have become increasingly viable. His Department is reviewing how microgeneration and battery storage could help homes and businesses reduce energy costs and reduce their dependence on the national grid. The review is welcome but recent volatility underlines the fact that we need to move faster, particularly in advance of the upcoming budget for next year. Incremental, well-targeted changes made over the lifetime of this Government will deliver a real difference. We have a clear opportunity to reduce our dependence on global fuel markets and fossil fuels and deliver a more secure energy future for households across Ireland.

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