We are all deeply concerned about this escalating conflict and the scale of the damage we are witnessing. Now is the time to focus on de-escalation, and this can only be done through dialogue and diplomacy. Only yesterday, we learned that 23 sites of both gas and oil have been destroyed in Iran. These are sophisticated structures and will take time to be rebuilt. This will prolong the fuel crisis we are going through. No government can shield any country from this level of volatility. Therefore, I welcome the targeted measures that are being introduced in such unprecedented times. I note the value of these targeted measures of almost €250 million. I welcome the 22 cent reduction in the price of diesel and the 17 cent reduction in the price of petrol. The fuel allowance will be extended by four weeks. This will have a huge effect on pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and those of low incomes throughout Ireland. It will affect almost 400,000 households. I welcome the news that hauliers and bus companies will benefit from the diesel tax rebate scheme. I encourage the public to contact the CCPC if they are not satisfied that these reductions are being passed on. We need to look at the agriculture sector. These measures are simply insufficient, especially for the hard-pressed tillage sector. The rising cost of fertiliser, up by over €200 per tonne, is also a major concern. It is as clear as night follows day that this will lead to food price inflation as farmers simply try to recoup their fuel price increase. Many experts estimate that this will lead to a 10% increase on the supermarket shelves. If there is one thing that we have learned from this crisis, it is that we must expand our move to renewable energies. Our goal is 80% by 2030. This crisis highlights our dependence on imported fossil fuels. We simply need more renewables. We need to expand our capacity, protect our consumers from the volatile markets and accelerate our output of renewable energy. That will entail looking at our planning laws, which must have local consent, and we must also invest in the grid. I welcome the key initiatives that have been introduced to date, especially in relation to the SEAI grants for residential solar panels, heat pumps and intensive offshore wind developments. Ireland is hoping to have 5 GW of offshore energy by 2030. The benefits are clear in that we are going to have energy security. We are going to have reductions in emissions and there will be huge financial savings. We have been here before with major crises through Brexit, Ukraine and Covid. We will get through this crisis by supporting those who need it most while remaining financially prudent, as we simply do not know how long this will last.

Sentiment score: 0.11