James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the overview of the integrated energy market. Connectivity with the UK is obviously of concern. Under subheads C4 and C5, there is a consider spend on sustainable energy million. A sum of €58.8 million is the largest line item in the Vote while the energy research programme has a spend of €9.5 million. We debated the Energy Bill 2016 in the House last night, which will become before the committee shortly. The regulator will be given further powers to administer sanctions. The State is investing heavily in sustainable energy as a whole and in research. Given this investment in sustainable energy and research and the strengthening of the regulator, is the Minister any closer to issuing wind energy guidelines? Is that covered under the research or energy programmes? The guidelines were expected three years ago. Before further spending takes place, are we closer to seeing the guidelines? In the context of strengthening regulation and providing assurance to communities concerned about development and the lack of up to date guidelines, it would comfort many people if they were in place.