The reason we are experiencing an energy price crisis in our country is because of Ireland's over-reliance on fossil fuels. Until the Government takes decisions that will break that over-reliance, our economy and our people will continue to be vulnerable. The war in Iran has shown for the second time in four years how our economy is at the mercy of the whims of Putin, of Trump and the Ayatollah. Yesterday's ESRI report reiterates that point. Our high electricity prices are driven by our disproportionate reliance on natural gas, but it also found that renewable energy provides protection against fuel price volatility. Speeding up that move to renewables will give us energy security, it will protect families from higher prices, and it will help our country to decarbonise. On Sunday, the Government announced a huge package of over €500 million to address the fuel price spike being experienced right now. The Green Party believes that Government needs to take similar big, bold steps to ensure that this is the last energy crisis that Ireland ever experiences. Let the response to this crisis be more than just being about getting the blockades lifted. I want to highlight measures across three broad areas. First, the Government needs to speed up the delivery of offshore wind farms that were successfully bid for during the term of the previous Government. An Coimisiún Pleanála and the Marine Regulatory Authority need additional expert staff so they can more quickly decide on planning applications for offshore wind. The Government also needs to speed up the investment and development of our ports. Right now, Belfast is the only port that could sustain the development of offshore turbines. That needs to change. We know solar panels on people's roofs and balconies provide immediate savings for households. The Green Party has proposed the introduction of a scheme to provide six free solar panels for every household that gets the fuel allowance, immediately cutting electricity costs for some of the most vulnerable households. As a short-term measure, the Government needs to allow for plug-in solar to be used in Ireland just as it is in the UK and across the EU, giving people without a roof access to the savings of solar energy. I have two brief points on electric vehicles. The Government should cut VRT on imported electric vehicles. We are developing an industry here. Let that continue to roll out.

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