Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for appearing at the committee two weeks in a row. I am delighted to hear that the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, will shortly make an announcement on biomass fuels. A number of proposed projects in Meath focus not just on miscanthus but also on sugar beet, among other crops. That we are largely dependent on oil for transport means that many of these projects will play a role.

My question has largely been answered, as it is similar to the Chairman's. The first policy focuses on citizens, the participation of whom is necessary to shape the future. In 2011, there was a decrease of 27% in transport energy and 13% in industry energy. Energy usage per building and household has also decreased. As such, people can be forgiven for believing that we do not need so much infrastructure, which is the cause of upset for many.

If the 3% growth in GDP expected this year and the average 4% annual growth expected in the following years are not achieved and, when we reach 2020, there is still no public acceptance of policy in this area, what is the plan? The Minister has mentioned that in 2006 and 2007 we were on a knife edge and that the only reason we did not fall off the edge of the cliff was the economy did so. We would not want that to happen in 2020. Is there a plan in place and will it be included in the Green Paper?

Mr. Eric Mamer from the European Commission recently appeared before the committee, when he made the very interesting point that while the targets as set out in the Green Paper were legally binding, the Commission would not be forcing member states to comply with the 2020 targets. In other words, because there would be balance in terms of one country reaching the targets and another not meeting them the Commission would be happy with this. Does this have any bearing on reaching our targets?

On wind energy and turbines, where stands the intergovernmental agreement between Ireland and the United Kingdom? A particular project in County Meath was based solely on wind energy exports. Is it the case that if this agreement is not secured, companies will have to alter their projects and only supply the Irish grid? Does the Minister have powers in this regard or is it simply a matter for the companies concerned?

On effective and informed public participation, what has been the level of participation thus far and what will be the process following 31 July?