Mr. Eric Mamer:

I think we can be quick. In terms of new technologies, these will be required if we are to reach our objectives, particularly in the area of energy storage. There cannot be vast amounts of renewable electricity if there is no storage system to balance out the intermittency. We have research programmes that are looking into this area as well as into new generation technologies. Marine power in particular is an area where Ireland will certainly have a role to play.

The setting of realistic targets for member states is a central issue. We are not in the business, I hope, of setting unrealistic targets. We believe that a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 20% increase in renewable energy can be achieved if we make the proper investments. There is a clear link between the level of ambition one sets and the level of investment. Had we not set such targets, it would be a free for all. If what member states propose does not add up to the ambition level then the Commission will reserve the right to step in and negotiate with the member states in order to have them set targets which are compatible with the EU-level objectives.

On nuclear energy, as with fracking, the Commission does not decide; member states make those decisions for themselves. About half the European Union is in the business of nuclear energy with the other half not involved. It is clear that in certain countries like the UK and France it is seen as a major source of low carbon energy and those countries are pushing forward with that. We just want to make sure that it takes place in the best possible conditions.

Deputy McEntee asked about the €1 billion spent per day and that is mainly for oil, gas, coal and so forth. Renewable energy up until now has mainly been produced and consumed locally. This issue is very well known in Ireland in the context of the midlands project, for example. On the EU's role in terms of public acceptance, it is a very difficult debate. Some citizens are really starting to feel the pinch, as we saw in the UK over last winter and as we see in southern parts of Europe which are experiencing more and more droughts. It is a question of how we collectively, that is member states and the Commission, can make the clearest possible argument on the long-term consequences. I agree that it is a very difficult debate to conduct in the midst of a deep economic crisis when peoples' attention is focused on other matters.