15. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore energy clearing house. [7891/26]

Sentiment score: 0.09

I welcome the establishment of the offshore wind energy clearing house. This shows how important the Government thinks energy security is and how important it is that we achieve it. As we all know, Ireland is dangerously exposed when it comes to energy. We are still far too reliant on imported fossil fuels, leaving our citizens and the economy at the mercy of global volatility. We have seen the consequences of that in recent weeks with soaring bills, uncertainty and pressure on households and businesses. We must move decisively from volatility to stability. Offshore wind is, as the Taoiseach will be aware, central to the transition, but we must match ambition with delivery. There are huge opportunities for Ireland to scale up. Will the clearing house be expanded to look at all renewable energy options, including how we can scale up and de-risk renewable energy generation, produce things like green hydrogen, develop biomethane and use alternatives like hydrotreated vegetable oil, HVO, for transport, which allow us to replace imported fossil fuels across the economy and not just in electricity?

Sentiment score: 0.27