Dáil debates

Tuesday, 15 December 2009

2:30 pm

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Yes. As I stated on the earlier matter, this a negotiating position developed by the European Union at the meeting of the European Council last week, and specifically suggesting a figure as to the amount the European Union would be prepared to provide. In terms of the overall global amount of approximately €7 billion, the indication is that €2.4 billion would be forthcoming from the European Union. That is a significant statement.

In that context, all countries - although there might be some which would have an even more severe difficulty than Ireland - provided, in an act of solidarity, a contribution. As I stated, what was regarded as fair and reasonable in our context was €100 million over three years. That amount could vary annually within the three-year total - we must work that out. However, the commitment has been made and it will be honoured. Obviously, we must discharge our obligations in that regard.

Deputy Kenny raised the issue of developing sustainable energy policy. We are on track to meet the 40% target within the timeframe outlined. As the Deputy will be aware, there has been significant investment in developing sustainable energy capacity in the country in recent years and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has been proactive in that area.

As I stated, there is an ambitious national target to increase the contribution from renewables to 40% by 2020. It is true that ocean energy technologies are still in the research and development phase globally. A major programme of activity, grants and supports here in Ireland to develop ocean energy was announced by the Minister in 2008. It is being overseen and implement by the ocean energy development unit in Sustainable Energy Ireland, working with key players in partnership.

We have set out the smart-metering programme. The Minister has set ambitious targets for vehicles. The Deputy will have seen Science Foundation Ireland bringing forward a third pillar for grant-in-aid on basic energy research and development in the areas of sustainable energy and energy efficient technologies last year and that new role will underpin the supply of more innovation in the sustainable energy sector in the long term.

Commercialisation support is being provided through Enterprise Ireland. There is much work ongoing here. There is no room for complacency, but the Minister, the Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland have increased their mandate, the number of personnel and the range of grants-in-aid that are available, such as the retrofitting programme and the greening of the housing stock. All that has begun. There is a great deal of activity and output going on.

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