Government TDs yesterday (Wednesday, September 14th, 2022) blocked a “crucial” Dáil debate on energy security.
That is according to deputy Mattie McGrath, who reports that 83 TDs voted to block a Rural Independent proposal to have an energy debate.
He says the move comes despite government energy policies causing a “severe” energy crunch, pushing inflation, and creating “enormous” uncertainty about Ireland’s economic future.
Furthermore, he reveals that this comes at a time when Ireland is now categorised as the most energy insecure country in Europe.
Energy security
He says: “On day one of the Dáil returning after recess, it is despicable for a government that fails to provide energy security, now with the support of five regional independent TDs, to blatantly vote to block a crucial debate on Ireland’s energy security.”
“With no guarantee that the lights will be kept on in Irish homes this winter, it is grotesque and completely tone-deaf for FF, FG, and Green party TDs, together with five regional independents, to purposefully vote to block an emergency Dail debate on Ireland’s energy security.”
He believes that voting to block such a debate gives the “proverbial finger” to the energy crisis and its impact on families at a time when our energy security and policy are “worse than at any time since independence”.
“We simply do not have the energy we need and are forced to take what we can get and pay exorbitant prices for it.”
“Perhaps it is little wonder that the government would block a debate and limit scrutiny on their fantasy-style green energy policies, which are built on the hopes that the wind will blow strong this winter, rather than accept the reality that around 87% of all our energy stems from fossil fuels.”
That is why, he adds, he has been demanding an urgent Dáil debate on energy security, supply, and price, in his capacity as a member of the Dail’s Business committee.
He claims that the government has resisted this debate at “every turn”, despite their policies moving the country “blindly towards rationing of energy”.
Renewables
He says the government’s “failed ideological” approach of “putting all our eggs into one basket”, namely renewables, is causing serious ramifications for the entire country.
“Thus, the energy policy direction taken by this, and previous governments, has made blackouts much more likely this winter.”
Take, for instance, he says, this government’s stance against coal generation, the importation of liquid natural gas, future oil and gas exploration off our coast, and the burning of one of our indigenous fuel supplies – turf.
He continues: “Be under no illusion, all of these policy decisions, for narrow politically induced reasons, have reduced our ability to have a much-needed broad mix of energy generation options available, at the lowest possible price for the consumer.”
“If the lights go out this winter, it is the government’s policies that will be the cause.”
“They will righty be unforgiven. Blocking a Dáil debate on energy security amid a national emergency is completely unforgivable,” concluded the deputy.
