Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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235. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he plans to implement to deal with issues in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49816/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As I outlined in the Dáil on 27 November in response to the Micro Generation Support Scheme Bill, I am supportive in principle of providing a route to market for citizens and communities to generate their own renewable energy and receive a fair and efficient price for doing so. This very much aligns with energy policy as set out in the Energy White Paper 2015, the new Renewable Energy Directive and the Clean Energy Package which entitles renewable self-consumers to receive remuneration for excess electricity exported to the grid.Recognising the well-meaning ambition behind the drafting of the Bill, Government agreed not to oppose it at second stage. However it will be necessary for the Government to develop its own legislative proposals to fully transpose the terms of the EU Directive.

Significant work has already been carried out to date in this area by my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) working with industry stakeholders, including the Micro Renewable Energy Federation (MREF). A pilot microgeneration scheme opened in July 2018, providing a grant for solar PV installation and batter storage which is administered by the SEAI. I am advised that over 3,000 applicants have expressed an interest to date and approximately 100 rebate claims are in process for payment by the Authority. Full scheme details are on the SEAI website at: .

Government has already assessed micro generation in the economic appraisal for the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. The evidence shows that to support it through a market support tariff would be hugely expensive. Although popular with consumers, micro-generation policy is complex and involves balancing a number of policy objectives. Not least of these is the affordability aspect.  If only those who can afford to participate in such a scheme receive subsidised electricity prices it can only come at the cost of increased electricity prices to others unable to participate such as renters, apartment dwellers, and those in energy poverty. As my Department also has policy responsibility for those at risk of energy poverty, they too need to be considered in this debate.