Mr. Brian Carroll:

There are two legally binding targets. These are the overall 16% target for renewable energy and a 10% target for renewable transport. In terms of the target breakdown, we are aiming for a figure of 40% in the case of renewable electricity. We are at a figure of approximately 20% at this stage.

The Senator raised a specific point about being behind where the national renewable energy action plan stated we might be. Some of this is linked with the timing of the roll-out of the grid. There are enough megawatts in the pipeline to connect and that will happen as the grid is rolled out. We see ourselves as being on target to hit that 40% figure.

The transport target is 10%. We are at a figure of 3%. The Senator specifically mentioned electric vehicles, for which there is a grants scheme in place. Unfortunately, the take-up to date has not been that large, with approximately 400 electric vehicles on the road. Most of the target will be met using bio-fuels.

The final target is for renewable heat - 12%. We are at a figure of 4.8%. I have mentioned some of the REFIT 3 demand stimulation measures we have in place and we will shortly introduce a bio-energy strategy to address some of the issues involved.