Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

202. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timescale for a new national renewable energy programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41488/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The development of renewable energy is at the heart of this Government's energy policy. A long term perspective is key to achieving this objective. To this end, my Department’s Strategy for Renewable Energy, published in May 2012, sets out key strategic goals for the various renewable energy sectors in the period to 2020. This strategy complements and builds on the momentum that has developed from the implementation of the measures set out in the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP). Article 22 of the Renewables Directive, 2009/28/EC requires Member States to submit a report to the European Commission on progress in the promotion and use of energy from renewable sources by 31 December 2011 and every two years thereafter. Ireland's second progress report on the NREAP is therefore due by the end of this year and work on this is currently underway.