I want to ask again about the issue of private wire and direct line renewables. I asked the question of the Minister before Christmas when it was said that the policy view of his Department would be established by the year's end. I understand this report was initially meant to be reviewed in quarter 1 of 2022. It was delayed due to Covid-19 and that is understandable, but where are we in regard to private wire and direct line renewables? Given the energy restrictions we face into the future, it is imperative we establish that policy position.

The policy decision by Government is clear. We are going to introduce the ability for private lines so that industry will be able to generate its own power and have battery storage and other systems that will allow it to be part of not just meeting our immediate energy security needs, which are very real, but also the need for decarbonisation. I will have to come back to the Deputy on the exact date on which the rules will be changed. However, we are committed to moving in that direction.

One thing that might give some encouragement in the interim is that last year was a record year for the deployment of renewable power in our country, in both solar and wind energy. I was also informed yesterday when I was working on this that, in regard to battery storage, which we have only started but which has taken off close to the power stations at present and which also has huge potential close to industry as part of that balance in capability, we have the highest per capita volume of battery storage of any country. In both renewables and on battery storage, we are progressing. Private wires and the role of industry will be expanded.