Paul Murphy Alleges Former Minister Failed to Declare Solar Farm Interest
Paul Murphy raised allegations that a former Environment Minister agreed to lease land he owns to Energia for a solar farm shortly after leaving office, and that the deputy did not declare the interest. He asked the Taoiseach whether this constitutes an undeclared interest and whether the deputy should make a formal declaration if the reports are accurate.
Allegations of a post-ministerial land lease
Paul Murphy referenced reporting that the former Environment Minister agreed to lease land he owns to Energia for a solar farm shortly after leaving ministerial office. The reporting states Energia began consulting with planning officials in February 2021 and that the deputy had been Minister for Environment until the previous June.
Timing of planning consultations and parliamentary questions
The deputy in question asked Minister Ryan on 19 October 2021 when a price for selling back solar energy to the grid would be put in place - a question raised eight months after Energia's planning consultations began. According to Paul Murphy, the potential solar farm development on the deputy's land was not declared in the Oireachtas register of interests and was not declared orally at any stage.
Energy company profits and pricing policy referenced
Paul Murphy noted that Energia made 45 million euros in profits last year and recently announced price increases of 15%. He contrasted that with the deputy's previously stated view dismissing suggestions that energy companies should absorb higher costs to protect households from higher energy bills.
Question to the Taoiseach and response on declarations
Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach whether there was an issue with the declaration of interest and whether the deputy should make such a declaration if the story is accurate. The Taoiseach replied that he was not familiar with the full details but said there are mechanisms within the Oireachtas to deal with such matters and referenced the role of registers of interests and House procedures in handling members' responsibilities.
We publish thousands of recordings to make Irish politics transparent and resistant to manipulation. Spotted an error? Report it — together we are building a reliable archive of Irish politics.
It's been reported by the Ditch website that former Environment Minister Richard Bruton agreed to lease land he owns for a solar farm development shortly after leaving his ministerial office, Richard Bruton, that he agreed to lease land that he owns to Energia shortly after, seven months after he was minister for the environment. Energia began consulting with planning officials in February 2021 and Deputy Bruton had been Minister for Environment up to the previous June. Energia has made 45 million euros in profits last year and last month they announced price increases of 15%. Recently Deputy Bruton dismissed any suggestions that energy companies should absorb higher costs to protect households from higher energy costs. On 19 October 2021 Deputy Bruton asked Minister Ryan when a price for selling back solar energy to the grid would be put in place. That was eight months after energy consultations with planning officials had begun, but Deputy Bruton didn't declare any interest in the potential solar farm development taking place on his land. It's not in the register of interest and he didn't declare it orally at any stage. Does the Taoiseach agree that there is an issue here with the declaration of interest and that Deputy Bruton should make such a declaration of interest if the story is accurate so that people understand that? Thanks. Deputy Tina Bruton Murphy has answered Deputy Murphy raised issues in relation to Deputy Bruton. I'm not familiar with the full details you have articulated. I believe these are the切ir consequences for the House chew, and more generally to consider in terms of members of the State registering their interests. I've always given public repfters of Interest, I found the Secretary dimensions of the House to be sentient in responsibility of the House. spectrum. I'm not familiar with the specifics of what you've asserted in 나오. this morning, but I do believe there are mechanisms within the Oireachtas itself to deal with issues of that kind.
Thank you for downloading 🙏
If you publish this material on social media, we would be very grateful if you tagged VideoParliament. It helps us reach more people and keep building a transparent archive of Irish politics.
