We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Gas storage and Russian supply

Summary

Deputy Durkan linked electricity prices to immediate domestic supply and Europe’s dependence on Russian gas. The Minister agreed the situation is evolving, said EU solidarity is essential, and stressed the need to share and manage supplies internationally.

Bernard Durkan Deputy Bernard J. Durkan Fine Gael

I wish to return to the electricity price increases. Does the Minister recognise that there are two issues here? The first is the immediate provision of electricity from our own resources, and the second is the long-term reduction of dependency throughout Europe on imports from Russia and similar places.

Comment on this

I agree with the Deputy. This situation is still evolving. We saw last week and in recent days the uncertainty as to whether those gas and oil supplies would continue to flow. That changes by the day. The market price is shooting up and down in a volatile manner. One thing the Taoiseach has said right from the start in this crisis, and I think he is right, is that we will act in solidarity in the European Union. That gives us our greatest strength and we should not divide. It is very important that we have international co-operation at this moment in time and that we try to share and manage not just the refugee crisis but the energy implications of it. The Deputy's first point is also valid and goes back to what I said to Deputy Mattie McGrath. This will steer us to the big long-term change of relying on our own power supply, which is something we can and will do. We have the right plans in our climate action plan and energy plans so we now need to deliver them.

Comment on this