21. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether he will respond to reports that a report commissioned by his department (details supplied) on the value of data centres "predetermined" the outcomes in favour of data centre expansion, despite evidence of adverse effects to Ireland's climate goals and strain on the energy grid associated with data centre electricity use, and consequently a negative impact on household energy bills. [66908/26]

Suggestions that the report was designed to reach a predetermined conclusion are not supported by either the terms of reference or the contents of the report.

The study was undertaken independently and was subject to review and challenge throughout the research process. Its findings were based on an assessment of the available evidence.

Responsibility for the methodology, analysis and findings contained in the final report rested with KPMG as the independent authors. The final report should therefore be read as the authoritative version of the study.

Importantly, the report does not present an argument for unrestricted data centre expansion. Rather, it highlights both the economic opportunities associated with data centre development and the challenges arising from energy demand, grid capacity and climate objectives.

The report clearly states that any future development of the data centre sector must align with climate and energy objectives.

Ireland has had extensive public debate and policy analysis concerning the energy, environmental and infrastructure implications of data centres. The purpose of this study was not to provide an overarching assessment of every aspect of data centre policy. Rather, it was commissioned to address a specific evidence gap regarding the economic contribution of data centres.

The study therefore provides an additional source of evidence to inform policy discussions. Its findings should be considered alongside analysis and evidence from other Departments, agencies, regulators and policy processes relating to energy, climate, infrastructure and broader economic development.