Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Renewable energy is a matter for the Minister responsible. However, a number of programmes have been introduced in this area. The interdepartmental committee and the Cabinet sub-committee are addressing a much wider range of research and development and science and technology proposals than the narrow ones regarded as the core business of Science Foundation Ireland. I attended the launch of the SFI report on 1 September in Dublin Castle and was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task, but I was also impressed by the manner in which SFI is taking on the challenge, especially given the quality of the people who have been attracted to Ireland and the commitment of third level institutions to this area. I will pass on the Deputy's concerns on renewable energy to the Minister but I assure him that the personnel involved in this area are committed to delivering the target.

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