I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
The geopolitical context has changed considerably since the adoption of the Regulation on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in 2021. Russia’s unprovoked military aggression on Ukraine has created huge challenges for the EU energy union, thereby aggravating the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. To address these challenges, the Commission proposed to reinforce the firepower of the RRF in the framework of the REPowerEU plan. The RRF Regulation, as amended by Regulation on REPowerEU chapters in the recovery and resilience plans, is set to enter into force shortly. The REPowerEU plan’s objectives are to contribute towards energy security, the diversification of the Union’s energy supply, an increase of the uptake of renewables and energy efficiency, an increase of energy storage capacities and the needed reduction of dependence on fossil fuels before 2030. The REPowerEU objectives are to be addressed by the investments and reforms to be included in the existing national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs) as part of dedicated REPowerEU chapters.
The EU Commission issued guidance on 1 February in relation to REPowerEU. My Department is considering potential investment and reform proposals that could be funded under the REPowerEU mechanism with the Departments of Environment, Climate and Communications, Finance and Taoiseach’s. Similar to the development of Ireland's current National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the funding decisions are a matter for Government. The Commission has asked Member States to submit their modified NRRPs with REPowerEU Chapters by 30 April.
